By Marc Holl, Head of Primary Care at Nuffield Health
Over 20 million people in the UK have a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or chronic pain, and for the first time in 2023, MSK disorders were included in the major conditions’ strategic framework alongside cancer, heart disease, mental health, dementia and respiratory diseases.
Chronic pain from MSK disorders can not only impact physically, but it can also affect quality of life, independence and, ultimately, your ability to work. Yet, findings from Nuffield Health’s 2024 Healthier Nation Index discovered that 65.34 percent of people living with joint pain went to work at least once in 2023 despite their physical health being poor that day.
This indicates the clear disconnect between employees and employers regarding MSK and pain management in the workplace.
For Musculoskeletal Health Month this October, here’s a step-by-step guide for employers on the best ways to break the stigma and support those with MSK disorders in the workplace…
Consider the impact on mental health
Not only does MSK affect around 1 in 10 people in the UK physically, but its impact stretches beyond what’s visible, and employers need to do more. This is reflected in the recent findings from Nuffield Health’s Healthier Nation Index, where around half of all respondents with chronic back pain and fibromyalgia stated their mental health had gotten worse in the last 12 months, and work had impacted their physical and mental health.
But why is there such a disconnect between those with MSK conditions and their employers?
As highlighted in this study, MSK conditions can lead to substantial loss, declines in productivity, absenteeism and even early retirement. This can lead to a lack of accommodations and support.
Another common reason the stigma exists is that invisible symptoms like chronic pain can be dismissed or forgotten, which only makes matters worse – inevitably heightening the mental health challenges for affected individuals.
If employers misunderstand or overlook MSK Conditions, this can lead to isolation and reduced absence rates, which starts the cycle all over again.
However, as outlined in a recent parliamentary debate between members of parliament (MPs), which included the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, representatives from relevant health organisations and local parties, there’s work to be done to address the existing stigma, particularly where these conditions intersect with mental health.
Provide occupational health solutions
According to statistics on working days lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries, musculoskeletal disorders were one of the leading causes in 2022/23, with each person taking 13.9 days off on average. This is higher than pre-pandemic levels.
With more people having time off sick than ever before because of MSK conditions, employers must provide workplace solutions or signposts to relevant external support to help employees identify, cope with and manage chronic joint pain and its related mental health impact.
This includes introducing corporate health assessments – either on-site or privately – to highlight the unique challenges facing individuals and work, as well as professional office and remote workstation assessments to review the impact of the work environment and offer ergonomic solutions.
Businesses may even choose to partner with specialist healthcare providers to offer access to specialist programmes and resources. For example, Nuffield Health runs a six-month Joint Pain Programme, which is free-to-access and designed to help people manage chronic joint pain via lifestyle advice, weekly education workshops and exercise sessions. Since its launch in 2018, it has helped over 35,000 participants.
In addition, employers should broaden their offerings to look beyond benefits that support physical health in the workplace to support those dealing with the psychological impact of MSK conditions and discomfort. This may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or employee assistance programmes (EAPs) to support employee wellbeing.
Take action
Two-thirds of all Healthier Nation Index surveyed workers with joint pain and MSK disorders stated that employers should do more to support mental health in the workplace, while over half said more should be done to help them stay well (and manage pain).
To address the stigma associated, employers must adopt a comprehensive approach that requires greater awareness, improved workplace accommodations and better integration of mental health support alongside physical health support to eradicate misconceptions and reduce the overall burden of MSK conditions on workers and businesses.
Raising awareness should start from the top, and businesses should upskill leaders on MSK and its impact on the workforce. With enhanced knowledge, they can work with sufferers to improve their quality of work life by encouraging open conversations among employees, training others and making reasonable adjustments to accommodate them.
They can also ensure methods of intervention are in place to aid prevention, such as equipping employees with ergonomic office equipment and actively promoting movement and exercise, especially in office settings.
In turn, this should help improve employee wellbeing, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism for a healthier, happier workforce.
