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We've all heard the phrase “exercise is good for you—but what does it truly entail?”, but did you know that physical activity can also enhance workplace performance? A healthy lifestyle is well-documented to reduce sick days, decrease employee health issues, and lower associated healthcare costs. Beyond benefiting businesses, this has significant implications for economies worldwide. In this article, we explore how much your company—and society—can save by encouraging exercise at work, and how these benefits extend beyond national borders.
There’s no doubt that inactivity carries a heavy price tag for society. Across the world, populations are becoming increasingly sedentary, making it difficult to meet recommended activity levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to engage in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75-150 minutes of high-intensity exercise. Studies suggest that even smaller commitments—such as 32 minutes of high-intensity training (HIT) per week—can result in significant health and economic benefits.
Globally, the cost of inactivity is staggering. The WHO estimates that physical inactivity costs the global economy billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare spending annually. In many countries, rising healthcare costs are a direct result of lifestyle-related diseases that could be mitigated through increased physical activity. Countries with aging populations, in particular, face growing concerns over the economic burden of preventable diseases.
Inactivity is a major contributor to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, all of which lead to increased absenteeism and lower workforce productivity. While not every individual can meet recommended activity levels, these trends highlight the universal financial and social costs of inactivity.
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Physically active employees have a greater work capacity than their inactive counterparts, increasing productivity for both individual businesses and national economies. But what does improved work capacity mean for an employer?
Employees at risk of lifestyle diseases tend to be less effective at work, take more sick days, and drive up employer healthcare costs. Research indicates that businesses worldwide lose billions annually due to absenteeism and reduced work performance caused by preventable health issues.
Studies from various countries, including Sweden, the U.S., and Japan, demonstrate that allowing employees to exercise during work hours improves company profitability. Time spent in the gym is often compensated by increased productivity and fewer sick days. Some companies have found that their output increased without adding additional employees—simply by integrating exercise into the workday.
The WHO and other health organizations have reviewed multiple studies and reached the same conclusion: physical activity directly correlates with increased workplace efficiency, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
Years ago, our professors collaborated with NHO to study attendance among cleaning companies in Trondheim. Cleaning staff often experience high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, contributing to significant sick leave. The KomDaVel project investigated measures to reduce absenteeism in this sector.
After 12 weeks of structured training, sick leave dropped by 19%, and the effects persisted. These findings align with similar global studies, reinforcing that workplace exercise initiatives can have long-lasting positive effects.
Beyond financial savings, workplace exercise fosters a more positive company culture. Employees who exercise are typically more engaged, resilient, and motivated, contributing to a stronger and more cohesive work environment.
Physical activity also enhances executive brain functions—crucial for problem-solving, organization, planning, and execution. These cognitive benefits are fundamental in workplaces that require strategic thinking and collaboration.
You can read more about this project here.
We know that physical activity helps prevent mental illness, musculoskeletal disorders, and numerous age-related diseases. It is essential for building strong, resilient workforces worldwide. With such a simple and cost-effective intervention, businesses and governments alike can significantly reduce absenteeism and healthcare expenditures.
While no intervention can eliminate sick leave entirely—life happens, and breaks are sometimes necessary—work capacity does not drop to zero just because we take time off.
So, we must ask ourselves: Can we afford for our employees not to exercise? The evidence demonstrates that encouraging physical activity delivers measurable financial and workplace benefits.
Now is the time to take action and inspire your workforce to stay active. Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement a workplace fitness program tailored to your business and local economy. Together, we can boost productivity, reduce sick days, and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Talk to us today and take the first step towards a more active and successful business!
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