Marc Holl argues that education and awareness, interventions, and, most importantly, tackling the stigma surrounding musculoskeletal conditions are all essential to improving employee productivity and health, and reducing absenteeism.
More than 20 million British citizens suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. MSK disorders will be included for the first in 2023 as part of the UK’s strategic framework on major health conditions, along with cancer, heart diseases and mental health conditions.
MSK disorders have a far-reaching impact on the lives of individuals. They can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and independence.
Nuffield Health’s 2024 Healthier Nation Index, which sampled 8,000 adults in the UK earlier this year, revealed that 66% of people with joint pain worked at least once a week by 2023 despite being physically unwell.
The data shows a clear disconnect in the support provided to employees with MSK conditions.
After last month’s annual Musculoskeletal Health Month awareness-raising event it is important employers investigate how to best break the stigma around MSK disorders and improve the support for affected employees.
Understanding the mental impact of MSKs
MSK disorders affect more than just the body. Around one in ten people in the UK have MSK conditions. However, this condition has a significant emotional and mental impact. Employers need to be aware of these broader effects.
“Employers who do not understand or address MSK disorders create an environment in which employees feel unsupported. This leads to higher absenteeism rates and lower productivity.”
According to the Healthier Nation Index nearly half of people with chronic back pain and fibromyalgia have reported a decline of their mental health in the last year. They attribute this to both the physical and mental strains of managing their condition.
The difficulty of accommodating “invisible” symptoms like chronic pain is one reason for this disconnect between employers and employees.
In contrast to visible injuries or diseases, the pain that persists can be overlooked or underestimated, contributing to feelings like isolation and a worsening of mental health.
If employers fail to address or understand MSK disorders, they risk creating an unsupportive environment that leads to higher absenteeism rates and lower productivity.
This can also exacerbate mental health issues for employees who have MSK disorders. In a recent debate in parliament, which included the minister of disabled people, health, and work, it was acknowledged that more must be done to combat this stigma, particularly where it intersects mental health.
MSKs, occupational health and safety solutions
In 2022/23, musculoskeletal disorders will be the leading cause of workplace ill health. Affected individuals are expected to take an average of 13.9 days off work – exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Employers must offer proactive solutions to help employees who are affected by MSK.
To better understand the challenges that individuals face at work, it is important to conduct occupational health assessments. These can be done on-site or privately.
Employers must also perform professional assessments of their workstations, both in the office and remotely. They should offer ergonomic solutions to minimize discomfort and prevent health issues.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals who are specialized is another option. Nuffield Health offers a six-month “joint pain program” that includes lifestyle advice, educational sessions, and exercise sessions.
Since its launch in 2018, this programme has helped more than 35 000 participants manage chronic joint pain, and improve their quality-of-life.
Employers should also broaden the scope of their employee benefits program to include mental health services as well as physical health care.
Employees suffering from chronic pain or MSK conditions can benefit greatly by being offered access to employee assistance programmes and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Take meaningful action
Our Healthier Nation Index revealed that two thirds of employees with MSK disorders believe their employers should support mental health at work.
Employers must adopt a holistic approach to address the stigma associated with MSK disorders. This includes increased awareness, better workplace accommodations, and integrated mental support.”
Over half of respondents also said that they would like to see more done to help manage their pain and stay healthy at work.
Employers must adopt a holistic approach to address the stigma associated with MSK disorders. This includes increased awareness, better workplace accommodations, and integrated mental support.
Employers can minimise negative impacts on their employees by creating an environment that promotes both physical and mental well-being for employees with MSK conditions.
Education and awareness should begin at the top. Businesses can educate their leaders and managers about MSK disorders to ensure they understand the impact of these conditions on their workforce.
It allows leaders to improve the quality of life for employees with chronic illnesses by encouraging an open dialogue, educating staff, and making reasonable accommodations.
Prevention is equally important. Employers can use ergonomic solutions to promote regular movement and encourage exercise at the office.
It can be beneficial to support employee well-being by providing resources like adjustable desks, ergonomic seats and reminders of regular breaks.
These actions will ultimately lead to increased employee productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a healthier workplace.
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