The Introduction of an Active Rest Program by Workplace Units Improved the Workplace Vigor and Presenteeism Among Workers A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The present study was designed to examine the effects of active rest by workplace units on not only workers' individual vigor but also workplace vigor and presenteeism. Methods: A total of 130 workers performed our active rest (short-time exercise) program for 10 minutes per day during their lunch breaks, three to four times per week for 8 weeks. Subjects from a workplace unit were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 66) or control (n = 64) groups. The participants' work engagement and Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) were examined at the baseline and after the 8-week intervention period. Results: After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed improved vigor'' values in work engagement and WFun (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the introduction of active rest program by workplace units provides a viable means for improving workplace vigor and presenteeism.