Researchers from Brigham Young University, the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) and the Center for Health Research at Healthways discover the damaging effects of sedentary behavior.

Using information collected via Healthway’s Well-Being Assessment from over 19,803 employees working at three separate companies, researchers from these three organizations analyzed survey data to better understand the concept of “presenteeism”—the act of being at work but not functioning at full capacity. Researchers analyzed the data based on demographics, healthy behaviors, physical health limitations and work conditions.

Lack of exercise was found to have a significant impact on self-reported levels of productivity. Employees who exercised only occasionally were 50% more likely to report having lower levels of productivity than employees who were regular exercisers. Employees who struggled to exercise during the day were 96% more likely to experience a productivity loss. This percentage was negatively impacted if employees also perceived their workplace didn’t support their getting physical activity during the day.

This study will be published in the October issue of Population Health Management. Review the press release.