| Presenteeism is defined as a decrease in on-the-job performance and productivity due to the presence of physical and/or psychosocial symptoms or conditions. There is a powerful intersection between employee health and productivity; therefore, the phenomenon of presenteeism has grown in awareness in both areas of business and health promotion. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the relationship between physical activity and presenteeism. A purposeful sample of University of Colorado Colorado Springs executives, faculty and staff (n=31) participated in a 1 hour focus group followed by the completion of validated questionnaires addressing: general health, physical activity, perceived stress, and presenteeism. Findings suggest that physical activity increases problem solving, provides motivation and encouragement to accomplish tasks, and presents an opportunity to achieve and sustain both short and long term goals of health and wellness. Conclusion: Physical activity can impact employee's goals, pathways, and agency toward wellness in the workplace. To increase productivity and reduce presenteeism, future workplace wellness programs should consider utilizing this synergistic framework. |
