Workplace health is a vitally important aspect to a company’s success, though it is also a struggle that sees as many new advancements as new challenges. Over the decades, technology and information have improved tremendously, allowing us to better understand and treat injured and sick workers. On the other hand, the changing world has introduced new trials.
The workforce healthcare dilemma today has a few key components: Pervasive musculoskeletal disorders, the impact of an aging workforce, and rising healthcare costs.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders – or MSDs – are the most frequent health complaint by workers. It is a problem among workers of all ages and all professions, affecting 25.5 million people. Although MSDs can affect all body parts, the most common areas are the back, neck, and upper limbs.
MSDs account for 400,000 - 29% - of all US workplace injuries and one third of all workers’ compensation claims. They have a direct cost of $20 billion per year out of a total of $45-54 billion, but indirect costs can be up to 5 times that number. While other injuries require about 8 days away from work, MSDs require an average of 11 days away from work.
Among MSDs, back pain and injuries are far and away the leading issue, accounting for more than 45% of all cases. Shoulder issues are a distant second place with nearly 15% of cases. MSDs are the third leading cause for disability. MSDs are a pervasive issue that costs companies billions every year. The workers themselves suffer the most though, living with pain through presenteeism and absenteeism.
MSDs can be treated with onsite deep tissue therapy. DORN is one such provider that helps reduce or eliminate pain due to MSDs. You will also want to consider how you can improve ergonomics in your company – consider standing workstations – and encourage employees to take regular breaks to alleviate pain.
Impact of an Aging Workforce
Another major factor that companies are now facing is the aging workforce. As the years move along, people are working later into life. Instead of retiring at 65, many baby boomers are continuing to work into their late 60s and 70s. Within the next 10 years, the majority of the US workforce will be made up of people over the age of 40. The population of workers over 65 is growing even more rapidly. This is in part due to better health and longer life expectancy – but not only are people willing and able to work later into life, they also may need to for financial reasons. Retirement savings now have to account for their longer life expectancy, and a few extra years of work can go a long way. Likewise, many still have lingering debt to pay off.
Older workers have different abilities and challenges than their younger counterparts. Chronic conditions, like arthritis and diabetes, are common in older workers and can be costly to treat. In terms of job safety, older workers tend to get injured less frequently, likely due to more experience and being more careful. On the other hand, when accidents do occur, older workers generally require more time to recover. It is important to make sure your worksite is safe for your aging workforce, and that you have a quality return-to-work policy in place.
Wellness programs have been rising in popularity in recent years, and they can greatly help accommodate the aging workforce. Ensuring your employees are fit and healthy – regardless of age – will help in keeping them safe on the job. For aging workers, be sure to look into how you can improve productive aging at your company.
Rising Healthcare Costs
Workers’ compensation costs are rising in the United States. Healthcare costs are also rising, and workers are getting hit the hardest:
Since 2010, deductibles are up 67 percent, while insurance premiums are up 24 percent. Worker earnings, by contrast, rose just 10 percent over that period, according to Kaiser’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
MSDs are the single largest, fastest growing, and most expensive segment of healthcare. Meanwhile, an aging workforce means injured employees will need more time to heal before returning to work.
Fixing the Dilemma
With all of these challenges companies face, it can be hard to know how to fix the dilemma. The first step is to remember, “Prevention is the best medicine.”
Wellness programs are a great place to start. Give employees the resources and encouragement they need to eat right, stay in shape, and nurture their mental and emotional health. Healthy employees are at less risk of injury or illness. Invest in ergonomic chairs and standing desks, and look into providing onsite deep tissue therapy. DORN is a provider that can help reduce or eliminate pain due to MSDs or injury.
Also be sure you have a good return-to-work program in place should any employees need time away. Consider the increasing blur between workers’ compensation and traditional healthcare – holistic care is a growing trend. It can help streamline the healthcare, workers’ compensation, and wellness programs.
The challenges are here, and with the right tools they can be easily managed or even prevented. Instead, we can focus on the full benefit of today’s workforce and the strengths they bring to the table.
