Why digestive health is becoming a must-have benefit for employers focused on cost, care access, and employee presence.
At this year’s Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI) Annual Forum, one message rang clear: health care must do more to meet people where they are. And few sessions captured that shift like our conversation with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) on rethinking digestive health as a core lever for cost containment, absenteeism reduction, and workforce equity.
Our session, “From absenteeism to ROI: A district’s journey to digestive health transformation,” explored how MNPS partnered with Cylinder to address the often-overlooked burden of gastrointestinal (GI) issues—challenges that quietly erode productivity and drive up spend.
Digestive health: The hidden driver of absenteeism and high costs
As shared during the forum, GI issues are more than a “quality of life” concern. They’re a bottom-line issue. With 12% of MNPS’s total medical spend tied to GI conditions, the district needed a smarter approach. Traditional care—long waits, high ER use, and reactive treatments—wasn’t cutting it.
What changed? A move toward personalized, virtual-first GI care that improved access, reduced unnecessary utilization, and met the needs of a diverse, dispersed workforce.
The results: 17% drop in absenteeism & $2K PMPY savings
In just one year, MNPS saw measurable outcomes:
- $2,000+ in per-member, per-year claims savings, including $549 saved in emergency department costs alone
- 17% fewer sick days among employees aged 50+
- 78 NPS, reflecting high member satisfaction with the care experience
These numbers didn’t just impress the room—they sparked real conversations about how employers can drive ROI while supporting employee well-being.
17%
drop in absenteeism
$2K
savings PMPY
$549
ER cost savings
Why this matters now
According to recent data, gastrointestinal issues affect 40% of people daily, yet most suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of access. Left unaddressed, these issues drive higher ER visits, absenteeism, presenteeism, and disengagement. For public sector employers like MNPS—where retention and wellness are top priorities—gut health is no longer optional.
Our session emphasized how early intervention, multidisciplinary support, and culturally competent care can close gaps and unlock savings—without overhauling a benefits strategy.
What we heard at IBI
From school systems to Fortune 500 employers, attendees told us the same thing: “This is a gap we didn’t realize we had.”
HR and benefits leaders left our session rethinking:
- Why GI issues should be part of total well-being strategies.
- How scalable, virtual-first care can reduce ER visits and absenteeism.
- What proof-driven vendors can deliver—not just engagement, but actual savings.
What’s next for digestive health in the workplace?
With high-cost claims and chronic condition management top of mind, digestive care is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. As MNPS’s experience shows, investing in the right care at the right time pays off.
Interested in learning more?
Download our MNPS case study to learn how Cylinder supports school systems and employers with measurable cost savings, reduced absenteeism, and real workforce impact.
