Education and awareness, interventions and, crucially, tackling the stigma surrounding musculoskeletal disorders are all key to improving employee health and productivity and reducing absenteeism, says Marc Holl.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect more than 20 million people in the UK. In 2023, for the first time, MSK disorders have been included in the UK’s major conditions strategic framework, alongside critical health issues such as cancer, heart disease and mental health conditions.

The impact of MSK disorders on individuals extends beyond the physical. They significantly affect a person’s quality of life, independence and often their ability to work.

However, despite these challenges, Nuffield Health’s 2024 Healthier Nation Index – which earlier this year sampled 8,000 UK adults – showed that 65% of people with joint pain went to work at least once date in 2023, despite feeling physically unwell.

These data highlight a clear disconnect between employees suffering from MSK conditions and the workplace support they receive.

Following last month’s annual Musculoskeletal Health Month awareness event, it is essential that employers explore how best to remove the stigma surrounding MSK disorders and improve support for affected employees.

Understanding the impact of MSKs on mental health

MSK disorders don’t just affect the body. While around one in 10 people in the UK suffer from MSK conditions, the emotional and mental toll is just as significant and employers need to recognize this wider impact.

According to the Healthier Nation Index, nearly half of those with chronic back pain or fibromyalgia reported a decline in their mental health in the past year, attributing this to the combined physical and mental stress of managing their condition.

One of the reasons for this disconnect between employees and employers is the difficulty in accommodating “invisible” symptoms such as chronic pain.

Unlike visible injuries or illnesses, ongoing pain can be underestimated or overlooked, further contributing to feelings of isolation and worsening mental health for those affected.

Employers who fail to understand or address MSK disorders risk creating an environment where employees feel unsupported, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity.

Additionally, this may exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by employees with MSK disorders. As acknowledged in a recent parliamentary debate which included the Minister for Disability, Health and Work, more needs to be done to tackle this stigma, particularly where it intersects with mental health.

MSKs and occupational health solutions

The latest statistics on absence from work show that in 2022/2023, musculoskeletal disorders were among the leading causes of work-related ill health, with affected people taking an average of 13.9 days off – exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Given the high prevalence of MSK-related absences, employers must proactively provide solutions to support affected employees.

An effective approach is to provide occupational health assessments, which can be carried out on site or in private, to better understand the challenges people face in the workplace.

Employers should also conduct professional assessments of workstations – both in-office and remote – offering ergonomic solutions to minimize discomfort and prevent other health problems.

Collaborating with specialty healthcare providers is another valuable option. At Nuffield Health, for example, we offer a six-month ‘joint pain programme’, which gives individuals access to lifestyle advice, educational workshops and exercise sessions.

This program has supported more than 35,000 participants since its launch in 2018, helping them manage chronic joint pain and improve their quality of life.

Additionally, employers should expand their approach to employee benefits to include not only physical health support, but also mental health services.

Providing access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or employee assistance programs (EAP) can provide invaluable support to employees dealing with the psychological effects of chronic pain and MSD conditions.

Taking meaningful action

Our Healthier Nation Index also showed that two-thirds of employees with MSDs believe their employers should do more to support mental health in the workplace.

More than half also said more should be done to help them manage their physical pain while staying well at work.

To address the stigma surrounding MSK disorders, employers need to take a holistic approach that combines increased awareness, improved workplace accommodation and integrated mental health support.

By fostering an environment that supports both the physical and mental well-being of employees with MSDs, employers can reduce misconceptions and minimize the negative impact on the workforce.

Education and awareness must start at the top. By educating leaders and managers about MSK disorders, companies can ensure that those in positions of authority understand the impact these conditions have on the workforce.

This allows leaders to work with affected employees to improve their quality of work life by encouraging open dialogue, training staff and making reasonable adjustments to accommodate those with chronic conditions.

Preventive measures are just as important. Employers can implement ergonomic solutions, promote regular movement and encourage exercise in offices to help prevent MSK disorders.

Providing resources such as adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs and regular break reminders can go a long way in supporting employee well-being.

Ultimately, these actions help improve employee health, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism – creating a healthier and more supportive workplace for all.