Reduced Absenteeism

Research shows that exercise helps to boost the immune system and increase strength, thus resulting in fewer incidences of absenteeism due to sickness or injury. A Study by American Sports Data, Inc., found that on average, frequent exercises among health-club patrons were absent from work only 2.11 days per year, compared to 3.06 days for inactive individuals.

In the state of Michigan, physical inactivity results in the loss of 20 days per workers, costing the state $8.6 billion annually.

Chenoweth D, Dejong G, Sheppard L, Lieber M,
Executive Summary: The Economic Cost of Physical Inactivity in Michigan. 2003

Employers who are determining how to manage absenteeism should consider that health risks and failure of employees to participate in fitness and health promotion programs are associated with higher rates of absenteeism.

Aldana SG, Pronk NP, Health
Promotions programs, modifiable risks, and employee absenteeism.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2001

A recent study has shown that persons at risk for [high] body mass index (BMI) had other health risks and twice as many sick days as those who were not at risk.

Burton WN, Chen CY, Schultz AB, Edington DW. The economic costs
Associated with body mass index in a workplace.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, September 1998