Influence of an employee fitness programme upon fitness, productivity and absenteeism

Responses to an employee fitness programme have been examined in a total of 1125 volunteers (both male and female), recruited from a test and a closely matched control company. Evaluations covered 3 months prior to and 6 months after introduction of the programme, with 534 subjects participating consistently in the research. About 20% of the test company employees participated in the exercise classes. Gains of maximum oxygen intake and flexibility, with a loss of body fat were seen in the group of subjects as a whole, changes being largest in adherents to the exercise programme. The general attitudes of the employees towards their employment improved, but the job-description index of Smith, Kendal and Hulin did not register parallel gains. Employee turnover in a 10-month period was substantially lower in programme adherents (15%) than in the remainder of company employees (15%). Productivity showed small (3-4%) gains in both test and control companies. Absenteeism of high adherents was reduced by 22% relative to other employees. Given 20% participation in an exercise class, there is a potential for a 1% reduction of company pay-roll costs resulting from reduced turnover and absenteeism. However, it is not clear whether this is a specific consequence of the fitness programme or a more general reaction to improved working conditions.