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Helsinki, Finland – A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports has revealed a significant link between active commuting and reduced sick leave. Researchers from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that employees who regularly commute by bicycle experience fewer sick days and a lower risk of long-term absences.
The study, conducted as part of the COMMUTE and Climate Nudge projects, analyzed the commuting habits of municipal employees and their subsequent sickness records. The results demonstrated that those who cycled or walked to work, particularly those covering more than 30 kilometers per week, had an 8-18% lower risk of sickness absence compared to those who commuted passively (by car or public transport).
“While the health and environmental benefits of active commuting are well-documented, its impact on long-term sickness absence has been largely unexplored,” says Essi Kalliolahti, lead author of the study. “This research definitively shows that regular cycling commutes can significantly reduce the overall number of sick days.”
Key Findings:
- Reduced Sick Days: The most active commuters, averaging 61 kilometers of weekly cycling, had 4.5 fewer sick days per year than passive commuters.
- Lower Risk of Long-Term Absence: These active employees also experienced one fewer period of long-term sickness absence (10 days or more) per 10 years compared to passive commuters.
- Cycling vs. Walking: While both walking and cycling showed some benefits, the study found the most significant reduction in sickness absence among the most active cyclists.
Promoting Active Commuting:
“Given that only a fraction of the population meets recommended exercise guidelines, active commuting provides a valuable opportunity to increase physical activity levels,” says Jenni Ervasti, Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
This research provides compelling evidence for employers and municipalities to invest in initiatives that promote active commuting, such as:
- Improved cycling infrastructure: Safe bike lanes and dedicated paths.
- Employee incentives: Bike-to-work programs, subsidies, and on-site bike parking.
- Flexible work arrangements: Allowing employees to adjust their schedules to accommodate cycling commutes.
By encouraging a shift towards active commuting, employers can not only improve employee health and well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Source: Essi Kalliolahti et al., “Associations Between Active Commuting and Sickness Absence in Finnish Public Sector Cohort of 28 485 Employees,” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports (2024). DOI: 10.1111/sms.70001
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and may not include all aspects of the original research.
This article aims to provide a concise and informative summary of the study’s findings.
