New Working Styles, Same Back Pain: The Impact Of MSK On The Workforce
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Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is key to maintaining good function of our physical bodies. Approximately a third of people in the UK live with an MSK condition, causing lasting effects on productivity, presenteeism and absenteeism in the workplace. Workplace support for MSK conditions is one of the most important factors when it comes to aiding recovery or managing chronic pain.
Currently, 1 in 6 people suffer from neck pain and in some cases, it’s so challenging that it’s impacting people's ability to do their jobs effectively. This rise in back and neck pain could be partially linked to post-pandemic changes in the workplace. Usually, our workstations at the office are typically well-adjusted to our needs, but the surge in remote work has altered this scenario for many of us.
A range of factors can lead to poor musculoskeletal health in workplace settings, especially when working remotely. Poor ergonomics and bad posture, prolonged screen time and a lack of movement can all contribute to musculoskeletal issues and health concerns. When working from home, we can sometimes feel isolated, anxious or stressed, which may be increased by an unsuitable workspace. Couple that with extended periods of sitting and the absence of face-to-face interactions, and people may experience a dip in overall mental and physical wellbeing on top of muscular aches and pains.
“Ultimately, it’s key to prioritise your team’s health and provide wellbeing initiatives that prevent a sedentary lifestyle, especially for remote workers,” he adds.
How can employers support workers with MSK?
Since employers and HR teams aren’t always in the same space as their people, it can be hard to gauge physical wellbeing and health concerns. Communication may also be hindered by the lack of face-to-face time. When this disconnect begins, challenges can go unnoticed by employers, negatively impacting individual health. This is intensified if an employee doesn’t feel comfortable speaking with HR or their line managers about ongoing pain.
It’s also difficult to monitor an employee’s work-life balance. Remote workers may find that the boundaries between their personal and professional lives blur, making it difficult to switch off and relax from work and potentially leading to a rise in stress, burnout or productivity issues.
It's important to understand that workplace wellbeing strategies aren’t an easy “one-size-fits-all” solution. Individuals have specific needs, and these solutions must be accessible and inclusive to a diverse range of employees.
This might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It starts with gathering feedback directly from individuals to determine what support is needed and how best to implement the strategy. “For homeworkers, this might include things like support with musculoskeletal problems, remote mental health support and financial support for routine appointments such as eye tests,” says Vicky.