Feeling burned out at work? Try burning some calories at the gym.

New research has found people who make a habit of getting regular exercise are less likely to feel stressed out or depressed at work.

The study, conducted by Tel Aviv University scientists, suggests companies that promote fitness programs for their employees may boost their workforce’s overall productivity, reduce absenteeism and lessen high heath costs.

The research, led by TAU’s Dr. Sharon Toker, found employees who spent at least four hours a week engaging in exercise were half as likely to experience a deterioration of their mental health at work -- including symptoms of burnout and depression -- as those who did no physical activity.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, tracked 1,632 Israeli workers in both the private and public sectors over a period of nine years. Participants completed questionnaires when they came to medical clinics for routine check-ups and had three follow-up appointments.

Not only were depression and burnout rates highest among non-exercisers, but Toker’s team also found the more physical activity participants engaged in, the less likely they were to experience elevated depression and burnout levels.

Exercising 150 minutes per week – the minimal federal guideline – had a clear “positive impact,” researchers said. But people who spent 240 minutes or more working out had virtually no symptoms of depression or burnout, they noted.