A study by Swedish university Karolinska Institutet has shown that devoting work time to physical activity can lead to higher productivity.

A research team analysed a worksite wellness programme involving 472 workers throughout 2010.

Participants in the work-based fitness scheme showed significant improvement in frequency of exercise, consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, restful sleep, and - rather bizarrely - seat belt use.

The study shows that despite using up some of regular working time doing exercise - or similar health-promoting measures - workers still attained the same or, in some cases, even higher production levels.

Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz, a member if the research team, said: "This increased productivity comes, on the one hand, from people getting more done during the hours they are at work, perhaps because of increased stamina and, on the other hand, from less absenteeism owing to sickness."

Life satisfaction and perceived health also significantly increased. In addition, the percentage with borderline/high blood pressure significantly decreased.

The report states: "Participation in well-structured worksite wellness programmes, such as the one evaluated in this study, may increase health and life satisfaction for employees.

"This type of wellness program appears to help employees develop and maintain healthy behaviors."