The Impact of Exercise and Health Management on Workplace Creativity

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to investigate Japan’s service sector employees to determine whether employee creativity is associated with the provision of a fitness program (that encourages employees to perform physical exercise) or a health and productivity management (H&PM) program at the workplace.

Design This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods A nationwide online survey was conducted using stratified sampling. Data were obtained for respondents’ demographic characteristics, subjective health, exercise frequency, and organizational wellness support. Workplace creativity, psychological safety, and leadership were evaluated using standardized scales. A binary logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between organizational wellness support programs and workplace creativity.

Results Respondents were 1,955 full-time employees in private-sector organizations (979 men and 976 women; mean age 40.30 ± 10.85). Workplace creativity was significantly more likely respondents whose employers provided a fitness program (adjusted OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.39-2.48, p<.001) or an H&PM program (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.53-2.80, p<.001). Furthermore, workplace creativity was significantly more likely in employees who perceived themselves as rather healthy or healthy. Employees who exercised frequently over the past year were more likely to display creativity than those never exercised.

Conclusions Workplace creativity was associated with good subjective health, high exercise frequency, and organizational wellness support programs offered by employers. Human resource management for employees’ fitness and health is crucial for cultivating the productivity and innovation necessary for business success.