The COVID-19 pandemic changed the workplace forever, with the shift to remote and flexible work now permanent for many employees across the globe. The rise of working from home has its downsides, however, as an increasing number of employees suffer musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries due to makeshift workstations, the wrong equipment, and poor ergonomics.
As people started to work at home regularly during the pandemic, Cigna Healthcare’s actuaries observed a notable spike in MSK related claims, mostly due to poorly set up workstations. Aside from using inadequate furniture, desks, and equipment, people also began to work longer hours surrounded by the comforts of home, often in uncomfortable positions, further contributing to the rise in non-specific lower back pain.
A painful trend
While most employers incorporate ergonomics, health, and safety into workplace designs, it’s often an afterthought for remote workers. The statistics highlight this trend: MSK health has emerged as a significant organizational challenge in recent years, accounting for 27% of long-term work-related health cases in the UK. A 2022 study found that a total of 39,200 working days were lost because of MSK conditions that year.
It’s often difficult for employees to pinpoint the cause of their MSK conditions, and many workers can suffer from back pain, neck pain, or headaches for years without connecting the dots to their workplace setup, whether that be in the office or at home. Certain groups, such as pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, are at even greater risk of stress build-up, pain, and muscle strain. These issues often require extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
With injuries on the rise, there’s a clear and urgent need for effective strategies to address MSK disorders. HR leaders have a key role to play in tackling this challenge as they implement health and well-being programs across their organizations. They should prioritize and carefully manage MSK health for both office-based employees and remote workers.
“HR’s role in addressing MSK health goes beyond compliance and facilities management,” says Kanishka Athalage, Cigna Healthcare’s International Health HR Strategy, Change & Projects Lead. “It also needs to involve proactive measures to enhance employee performance. Investing in MSK programs isn’t just a cost. It’s an investment in the long-term productivity and happiness of your workplace.”
MSK health and wellness programs
Education and awareness are crucial in managing MSK disorders effectively, making it imperative for HR leaders to have a deep understanding of how these conditions manifest, and of the specific disorders involved.
MSK disorders include a variety of conditions affecting the muscles, bones, and joints, presenting a unique challenge for employers. Furthermore, these conditions are often accompanied by comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which can complicate the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs.
Organizations often take a reactive approach to MSK health, yet proactive steps are needed to prevent injuries at work. As Kanishka explains, "Promoting musculoskeletal health in the workplace is not just about preventing injury – it’s about fostering a culture of care and ensuring that every employee has the right level of support to thrive physically and professionally.” Indeed, employers have an opportunity to significantly improve workplace well-being, health, and safety, and make a tangible impact on employees’ daily lives and mental health.
Addressing MSK conditions requires a comprehensive wellness strategy, integrating physical, mental, and social support systems. Fragmented health programs, limited resources, and a lack of awareness among employees and managers can create gaps and hinder efforts to provide support.
Investment and assessments
Investment in ergonomic equipment for workstations can also help reduce MSK injuries. For example, implementing ergonomically designed equipment such as adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards, and sit-stand desks can significantly mitigate risks. Overall, ensuring staff have the appropriate infrastructure and tools helps support employee productivity and can reduce the costs associated with long-term sick leave.
However, even with all the right equipment, employees can still suffer aches, pains, and strains. It is therefore vital for organizations to conduct regular ergonomic assessments at the workplace. Further steps, such as assessing remote setups or encouraging self-assessments of the home office environment, can be enormously beneficial.
Prolonged sitting is a daily necessity for many people at work, but it has been linked with a host of health problems, including MSK issues and other chronic conditions. Employers need to take a multifaceted approach to MSK health, including providing the right workstation equipment, assessing ergonomics, supplying comprehensive workplace well-being programs, and encouraging regular movement during working hours.
Commitment to MSK health
How a workplace handles MSK health reveals much about its commitment to holistic employee well-being. HR leaders can champion this cause, ensuring that health and wellness are not abstract goals but actionable, supportive aspects of workplace culture. Kanishka stresses the fact that, “a comprehensive approach to MSK health builds the foundation for a more resilient and engaged workforce.”
Empowering employees to take charge of their MSK health is crucial, but it is equally important for employers to provide the necessary time, resources, and access to support this empowerment. “At Cigna Healthcare, we offer annual ergonomics training to employees of all levels to educate risks of MSDs, and proper body mechanics such as posture, the importance of regular breaks, work from home arrangements, etc.,” says Kanishka. “Our workplace design includes sit-stand desks, encourages walking meetings, and promotes exercise programs such as desk yoga, and stretching techniques that help prevent MSDs.
Employers should focus on creating dialogue on this important issue with employees and continually strive to improve, acknowledging the pervasive nature of MSK health and its impact on overall well-being. Proactive MSK health management goes beyond mere band-aid solutions; it plays a pivotal role in shaping a broader culture of health and well-being in the workplace.
Sources:
Sickness absence in the UK labour market - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
