Study: Wellness programs reduce sick leave

Nov 24, 2008

Health promotion programs in the workplace can result in fewer sick days, according to a new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Vol. 50, No. 11).

According to a press release from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in Elk Grove Village, IL, researchers analyzed 46 previous studies examining the benefits of wellness programs published between 1970 and 2005. They found that, in addition to reducing the number of sick days by 22 percent, such programs were linked to reductions in emotional exhaustion as well as improvements in mental health and work ability.

Researchers noted that although some research in the studies was of low scientific quality, the connection between workplace health programs and a reduction in sick days and an increase in work abilities was "moderately strong."