Stepathlon, a pedometer-based, mass participation corporate initiator, has reported that if the employees walked 10,000 steps a day, it helped to reduce absenteeism at offices.

The company commissioned a recent survey which was conducted and analysed by IMRB International. Participants’ responses were recorded before and after Stepathlon’s 100 Day Race during which they were encouraged to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, which corresponds to around 6.4 kms.  In 2014, Stepathlon had more than 60,000 participants from 275 organizations, across 34 countries and 635 locations around the world.

The worldwide survey reported a significant rise in energy and fitness levels, reduction in stress and body weight, and improved quality of sleep among participants.

The survey found that 38% of Stepathletes reported sleeping better, 42% felt more energetic, and 21% of smokers quit smoking. 79% felt there was better communication within the organisation.

Notably, 35% participants reduced absenteeism and experienced an increase in productivity. This is significant because a study by International Business and Economic Research Journal in 2009 found that employee absences are both costly and disruptive for business, and the trend has been increasing steadily over the years. In India, absenteeism approximates 15-20 per cent of payroll (direct and indirect) costs. In another study it has been estimated that the foregone national income in India due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes will be close to $53 billion in 2015.

Yet another study has revealed that absenteeism due to illness costs the US economy more than $84 billion a year. In Australia it has been estimated at $27.5 billion per annum. “Lost productivity” from employee absenteeism due to illness or what researchers called “presenteeism,” have a profound financial effect on a company's bottom line globally.

“The survey results enable us to confidently say that Stepathlon has a direct and indirect impact on a company’s bottom line. Organisations are now demonstrating how much they value their human capital by investing in wellness programmes such as Stepathlon. Changing mindsets about fitness and re-enforcing the ill-effects of a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest challenges we face, but we seem to be winning the war”, said Ravi Krishnan, CEO, Stepathlon.

“An urban lifestyle, technology, time constraints and numerous other factors have led to people sinking into inactivity. “Our survey findings clearly indicate that by regularizing the habit of walking, which has been effectively achieved by Stepathlon, people are making some important positive changes in their lives,” said Minal Sharma, Insights Director, IMRB One.

In 2014, Stepathlon,witnessed participation from 60,250 participants from 275 companies across 635 locations and 34 countries. Stepathlon encourages activity and fitness and fosters health and well-being in a fun, inclusive and relevant manner. The key objective of the company is to break the cycle of sedentary behaviour, turning the sedentary to active and the active to more active, thereby increasing overall productivity.