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Gastrointestinal conditions such as GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease are significant causes of absenteeism and reduced productivity, especially among older employees.
Employer spending on employees with GI disorders can range from $14,000 annually for chronic functional GI conditions to more than $62,000 for those with Crohn’s disease. Even modest reductions in missed work can lead to meaningful savings and improved employee retention when multiplied across a workforce, according to research by Cylinder.
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“Employers know that chronic GI issues drain productivity and increase costs, yet GI care remains one of the most overlooked health benefits,” said Dr. Hau Liu, chief medical officer for the virtual digestive health care provider. “This research shows that when older employees get access to the right care, they miss fewer days, feel better and cost less to cover. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Previous research by the National Institutes of Health found that IBS is associated with a 21% reduction in work productivity, equivalent to working less than four days in a five-day workweek. “Employees with IBS had significantly lower Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 scores than those without IBS,” its report said. “Reduced work productivity and diminished quality of life of these magnitudes may have substantial financial impact on employers.”
Cylinder’s digital platform combines symptom tracking, registered dietitian support, health coaching and personalized care plans to address the full spectrum of digestive needs. Researchers compared absenteeism rates among Metro Nashville Public Schools employees who participated in Cylinder’s program with those who did not. Among employees older than 50, program participants took an average of 1.7 fewer sick days annually than their non-participating peers, saving employers approximately $672 per employee in direct salary costs. The program also resulted in significant symptom improvements across all age groups, with an average of up to 42% reduction in symptoms reported.
“Employers are increasingly looking for ways to manage rising health care costs while supporting employee wellbeing,” said Christopher Whaley, Ph.D., health economist at Brown University and coauthor of the study. “This research offers compelling evidence that targeted digital health interventions can improve health outcomes and reduce productivity losses.”
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Alan Goforth
Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.
