The economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions in Europe: a systematic review of available evidence

Braun, Alexander; Franczukowska, Arleta Anna; Teufl, Irina; Krczal, Eva

doi:10.1108/ijwhm-04-2021-0105

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 37 publications

(246 reference statements)

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“…Similarly, a Swiss study found an effect of an IPET inspired intervention on neck pain-related work productivity, as well as a weekly saved cost of CHF 27.40 per participant, and concludes that the intervention could reduce the economic burden of neck pain among office workers [ 26 ]. However, regarding economic evaluation of workplace physical activity interventions in general, two systematic reviews recently pointed out that such evidence is inconsistent, due to large heterogeneity in such studies [ 55 , 56 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exercise Prescription for the Work–Life Population and Beyond

Sjøgaard

Søgaard

Hansen

et al. 2023

JFMK

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The background for this paper concerns a high frequency of work-related disorders that may result from physical exposure at work being highly sedentary, repetitive–monotonous, or physically demanding. This may result in levels of physical inactivity or strenuous activity impairing health. The aim is to present an evidence-based exercise prescription for the work–life population and beyond. The exercise program is designed to be feasible for use at the workplace and/or during leisure time and to improve health, workability, productivity, sickness absence, etc. The specific concept of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training, IPET, includes the assessment of several health-related variables, including musculoskeletal disorders, physical capacity, and physical exposure at work and/or daily life activity. An algorithm with cut-points for prescribing specific exercises is provided. Exercise programs in praxis are addressed through descriptions of precise executions of various prescribed exercises and possible alternatives to optimize variation and adherence. Finally, perspectives on the significance of introducing IPET and the ongoing, as well as future lines of development, are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exercise Prescription for the Work–Life Population and Beyond

Sjøgaard

Søgaard

Hansen

et al. 2023

JFMK

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“…However, some studies did not find a statistically significant effect of WPA programmes on absenteeism (Hartfiel et al, 2017). Braun et al (2022) also failed to prove the effectiveness of WPA programmes on self-assessed productivity and job satisfaction. In their systematic review, three studies found a positive effect of WPA on the financial return of the employer compared to four studies that did not find any effect.…”

Section: Workplace Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 97%

“…However, some studies did not find a statistically significant effect of WPA programmes on absenteeism (Hartfiel et al ., 2017). Braun et al . (2022) also failed to prove the effectiveness of WPA programmes on self-assessed productivity and job satisfaction.…”

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which factors can be used to persuade managers to start workplace physical activity programmes and what motivates employees to participate? A Hungarian study on goals, effects and motivations

Szabó,

Kajos

2023

SBM

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PurposePhysical activity (PA) has been widely studied for its individual and societal benefits, but research on how organisations can effectively promote workplace physical activity (WPA) programmes is lacking. This article aims to examine the organisational-level benefits and value drivers of corporate PA programmes whilst also exploring the factors that motivate employees to participate in these programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the self-determination theory (SDT) and the Hungarian Sport Motivation Scale (H-SMS) – which was modified and validated from the original English SMS scale, which is one of the six most highly cited motivation questionnaires in sports – to assess employees' motivation towards sports. In conjunction, in-depth interviews with company representatives were conducted to create a mind map outlining the impacts and advantages of WPA programmes. The study involved interviews with 13 managers in Hungary and a survey completed by 728 employees.FindingsThe findings of the authors' study indicate that WPA programmes had positive effects on employee engagement, turnover reduction and absenteeism. However, the authors' results also revealed that employee motivation to participate in these programmes was primarily driven by external factors, such as identified and introjected regulators, indicating a low level of intrinsic motivation for sports in the workplace. It is important to classify employees based on their motivation and behaviour to design and promote effective PA programmes in the workplace and to increase participation rates.Originality/valueThe authors' findings indicate the importance of aligning WPA programme promotion with employee motivation. This can encourage organisations to initiate their programmes, address participation challenges and strive for higher engagement rates. Further research on employee motivation can support the development of more effective communication strategies for companies in this context.

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“…The third study was a costing analysis of an incentivised workplace physical activity intervention to increase daily steps among inactive employees (Mason et al, 2018). The fourth paper was a systematic review assessing the economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions in Europe (Braun et al, 2022).…”

Section: Healthy Eating and Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Wellness in work - supporting people in work and assisting people to return to the workforce: An economic evidence review

Edwards,

Spencer,

Anthony

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Rapid review methodology was used to identify updated economic evidence on programmes or interventions designed to enable employees to remain in and return to the workforce. In Wales, there are currently 1.48 million people in employment and 58,300 people who are unemployed. This equates to an unemployment rate of 3.8% in Wales.The evidence in this report builds on a previousWellness in Workreport (Edwards et al., 2019). This review has a broad focus to understand the economic impact of well-being within the workplace. The main section of the report is on the economic benefits of keeping the workforce well. Seventy-six papers were included from databases searched for literature published between 2017 and 2023.Economics studies were found relating to common mental health conditions; severe mental health conditions; influenza vaccination; illicit drug use; smoking and vaping; healthy eating and physical activity. A range of economic evidence of low, medium, and high quality relating to interventions targeting well-being in the workforce was identified. This included high quality evidence that interventions in the workforce for employees at risk of common mental health disorders can be cost saving for businesses and the health and social care sector. There is also high quality evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions focusing on healthy eating and physical activity in the workplace. Some evidence gaps were also identified.Policy and practice implications:There is a need to consider the evidence presented in this rapid review on cost-effective interventions to improve the wellness of the workforce in Wales. Updated policies and procedures to improve equal employment opportunities, regardless of age, gender, or disability status are needed.Economic considerations:Amongst the G7 nations, the United Kingdom (UK) is performing relatively poorly in relation to returning to pre-pandemic employment rates. This is in part caused by the long elective (planned) surgery waiting lists present in the National Health Service (NHS) right across the UK, highlighting the circular relationship between health and the economy.Funding statement:The Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, the Bangor Institute for Medical and Health Research, and the Swansea Centre for Health Economics were funded for this work by the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, itself funded by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of Welsh Government.

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The economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions in Europe: a systematic review of available evidence

Cited by 4 publications

References 37 publications

Exercise Prescription for the Work–Life Population and Beyond

Exercise Prescription for the Work–Life Population and Beyond

Which factors can be used to persuade managers to start workplace physical activity programmes and what motivates employees to participate? A Hungarian study on goals, effects and motivations

Wellness in work - supporting people in work and assisting people to return to the workforce: An economic evidence review

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