Cylinder’s Virtual Digestive Program Cuts Absenteeism 17% in Older Workers

Cylinder, a leading virtual digestive health provider, has released new findings showing a 17% reduction in absenteeism among employees aged 50 and older who used its digital care platform. The peer-reviewed study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, is the first to assess employer-verified sick day data. Researchers examined absenteeism among public school teachers at Metro Nashville Public Schools, comparing participants in Cylinder’s program to matched non-participants. Older employees using the platform averaged 1.7 fewer sick days per year, translating to $672 in annual salary savings per employee.

Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions significantly impact workforce productivity, with employer costs ranging from $14,000 annually for functional GI issues to over $62,000 for Crohn’s disease. Despite their prevalence, GI disorders remain one of the most overlooked areas in employer-sponsored health benefits. Cylinder’s virtual platform aims to close that gap, offering a comprehensive solution that includes symptom tracking, personalized care plans, registered dietitian support, and health coaching.

The study also found broad clinical improvements, with participants across all age groups reporting up to a 42% reduction in symptoms. These results highlight Cylinder’s potential to address a costly and often neglected aspect of employee health. According to Dr. Hau Liu, Cylinder’s Chief Medical Officer, the research demonstrates that providing older employees with accessible, targeted GI care can improve well-being, reduce absenteeism, and lower overall costs—offering a clear value to both employees and employers.