Impact of Physical Activity-based Workplace Wellness Programs on Improving Worker Productivity and Health

Abstract

The review highlights the need for clear standards in measurement tools to more effectively evaluate the results of these interventions. The variability in the methodology of the studies reviewed makes it difficult to establish which specific exercise modality or intervention is most effective. In some programs the absence of analyses of post-intervention worker adherence and autonomy may limit the full understanding of the long-term effects and practical application of the programs. Different physical activity and health programs and approaches, such as yoga, targeted exercise programs and mobile apps, show positive results. These programs appear to improve physical measures, such as waist circumference, blood pressure, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as work productivity and workability of employees. Some programs, such as UPnGO, have been shown to be scalable and had a positive impact on increasing daily physical activity. The findings suggest that these programs may be especially beneficial for manual workers or those in small work environments, indicating the possibility of tailoring specific interventions based on the type of work population (Lau and Faulkner, 2019). According to (Todorovic et al., 2020), having a wide variety of work interventions could be counterproductive if aspects prior to the beginning of these activities are not considered, such as: the determined space, personnel to lead the exercises and to follow up the program at all times.