If your employees sit at their desks for hours at a time, they might not realize the damage this is causing to their body. Research shows that having a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a range of chronic diseases and conditions [1] , including a higher rate of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury and a host of other conditions. Which means if your staff sit at their desks for long periods, they might end up with serious healthcare needs. And it’s not just them who will pay the price.
When your people are in pain, it affects everyone
Alongside dealing with its physical consequences, workers who suffer MSK pain might also have related emotional pain, and behavioural health conditions such as becoming less productive or losing interest in work entirely. For the business, this translates into employees who are unable to give their best at work and reach their full potential.
According to a 2022 study of office workers[2], neck pain and lower back pain become chronic issues for 17% and 27% of them, respectively. And with over 23 million working days also lost in the United Kingdom due to MSK conditions in 2022[3], the cost to businesses can add up.
How to help your people with MSK issues
A proactive healthcare program could be crucial to promoting health in the workplace, supporting your people, and protecting your bottom line.
Our survey of over 10,000 US employees found that 52% of them felt a robust company health plan improves productivity. So, if your people suffer from MSK conditions, it’s important to provide them with the personalized and coordinated care they need to deal with it properly. All too often, employees with MSK conditions face a disconnected care experience that misses the mark in terms of effectiveness.
Get ahead of the issue by working with your healthcare partner to create proactive health engagement programs that help prevent MSK issues before they become a problem. Our healthcare plans are designed to help meet individual needs while remaining as comprehensive and sustainable as possible. Helping your people get on top of their healthcare needs and back to their old selves again.
Start promoting better health in your business
We can help you promote well-being in the workplace to keep your employees happy and productive, while avoiding the financial pitfalls associated with untreated MSK. Speak to your Cigna Healthcare representative or broker today.
Source
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10532842
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/labourproductivity/articles/sicknessabsenceinthelabourmarket/2022
- Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study 2023
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