Well Body Study: Sales Professionals Rank Worst in Physical 'Rust,' Facing Estimated 790,000 JPY Annual Productivity Loss

Well Body Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Junichi Mizuno, Naoto Yoshimura) has conducted a survey on "physical fatigue and workplace conditions" targeting 152 business professionals nationwide. We are reporting the findings focused on physical conditions by occupation.

This is the third in a series of surveys focusing on occupational physical conditions.

■ Survey Summary
It was revealed that 84.2% (128 individuals) of all business professionals are working while dealing with some form of physical ailment.
Among them, it was found that there is a significant difference in severity by occupation. Analysis of the "rust level" (0-100 points, higher indicates worse condition) showed that sales and customer support roles ranked worst among all occupations.

■ Background of Sales Being Worst
Looking at the details for sales and customer roles that ranked first, the percentage of respondents who answered "breaking limits" (81-100 points) reached 20.0%, the highest among all occupations and about twice the overall average (9.2%).
The daily concentration loss time also ranked worst among all occupations at an average of 55.5 minutes. Converting this to 240 business days per year, it amounts to 222 hours, which is equivalent to 790,000 JPY in annual productivity loss based on a 5 million JPY annual salary.
Junichi Mizuno, representative and physical therapist, states: "The physical load on sales roles has a different structure than desk work. In addition to long hours of travel, standing, and carrying heavy business bags, the persistent tension during meetings keeps the sympathetic nervous system overactive. Furthermore, a workplace culture of 'pushing through with guts' is deep-rooted, leading many to ignore physical ailments despite recognizing them. This vicious cycle is clearly reflected in the data."

■ 84.2% Have "Some Form of Ailment" Overall
It was found that 84.2% of all respondents (rust level 41 or higher) are working with physical ailments regardless of occupation.
Additionally, about half of the respondents (50.0%) are working in a serious condition where they "always have discomfort in their shoulders or lower back" (61 points or higher).

■ About the Corporate On-site Physical Care "Offi-Stretch®"
"Offi-Stretch®" is a "new health management" solution where experts, specifically physical/occupational therapists, visit companies to provide care for employees within the office.
[Key Features]
- Experts evaluate each employee's body based on medical evidence and provide optimal care.
- Focused care is provided for job-specific physical burdens such as back pain, stiff shoulders, and foot fatigue from daily field work or desk work.
- Because it is completed within the workplace, it can be utilized easily without the hassle of travel.