Cylinder’s Virtual Digestive Health Program Reduces Absenteeism by 17% in Older Workers

What You Should Know: 

– Cylinder, the leading virtual digestive health provider, today announced new findings demonstrating a 17% reduction in absenteeism among employees aged 50 and older who used its virtual digestive health platform. The results, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, underscore Cylinder’s significant impact on workforce productivity and healthcare cost savings, particularly for older working adults with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

– In the first study to analyze employer-verified sick day data, researchers examined absenteeism among public school teachers at Metro Nashville Public Schools, comparing those who participated in Cylinder’s program to those who did not.

A Targeted Solution for a Costly Problem

Employer spending on employees with GI disorders is substantial, ranging from $14,000 annually for chronic functional GI conditions to over $62,000 for those with Crohn’s disease. These conditions are a major cause of lost productivity and missed work, creating a significant financial burden for employers.

Cylinder’s digital platform—which combines symptom tracking, registered dietitian support, health coaching, and personalized care plans—is designed to address the full spectrum of digestive health needs. The study’s results highlight the platform’s effectiveness in a real-world setting.

Key results include:

• 17% fewer sick days among participants aged 50 and older compared to matched controls.
• This translates to an average of 1.7 fewer sick days annually for program participants.
• $672 in direct salary savings per older employee annually for the employer.
• Significant symptom improvements across all age groups, with up to a 42% reduction in symptoms reported.

“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 at Cylinder. “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.”