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Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator

The Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator uses demographic data provided by your organization to compute the cost of physically inactive employees. The calculator compiles data from seven states (76 million data points) and the most current science available in the medical costs, workers’ productivity and worker’s compensation fields of research.

Physical inactivity, according to the Surgeon General, is performing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity most, if not all, days of the week. More than 70% of America’s workforce is inactive – and lack of exercise can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes and colon cancer. Organizations now understand that getting employees active will significantly benefit their bottom line. By implementing a physical activity program that targets inactive employees, organizations can shift their focus from the cost of health care to the total value of health.

Based on XXXX employees and the median compensation of $XX,XXX paid annually per worker, physical inactivity is costing XXXX an estimated $XXX,XXX per year, or $X,XXX per employee. Following is a breakdown of these costs. Please note that calculated estimates should be considered a general approximation.

Estimated Cost of Physical Inactivity for XXXX

Medical Care Costs: $3,657
Workers Comp Costs: $474
Lost Productivity Costs: $265,269
Total Annual Costs: $269,400

If 15% of inactive employees at the organization became physically active, it is estimated that XXXX could save $XX,XXX per year. Thirteen current research studies calculated cost/benefit ratios that showed the average savings from fitness programs to be $3.48 in medical costs and $5.82 in absenteeism per dollar invested in the programs. These estimates and supporting research provide a strong case for shifting resources to programs, services and an infrastructure that promotes physical activity. It is today’s reality that health is a performance driver. Investing in health not only controls expenses, but also protects, supports, and enhances human capital.

Please refer to the Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator document for additional information on how all of the calculations were developed and researched.