The effect of physical training on objective and subjective measures of productivity and efficiency in industry

Abstract

Five hundred and twenty-two workers from two pharmaceutical factories were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group was exposed to a physical activity programme, 15min each session before lunch, 5 times a week for 7 months. Concurrently, the second group of workers had the same exposure to social activity. Perceived workload, fatigue, and efficiency, as well as rates of productivity were examined before and at the end of the study. Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied to the data. The results indicated that, from the outset to the end of the programmes productivity rates remained constant across the whole study in both groups. However, perceptions of workload increased, and perceptions of fatigue decreased significantly in workers of the physical activity group compared to their counter-parts. Subsequently, perceived efficiency increased more in the workers in the physical activity group compared to workers of the social activity group, particularly after lunchtime.

Keywords:

• Workload perception
• Productivity and efficiency enhancement
• Physical exercise
• Objective and subjective measurement