According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.71 billion people worldwide have musculoskeletal conditions. On top of that, musculoskeletal conditions are “the leading contributor to disability worldwide” — particularly low back pain, which is the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries. These statistics clearly highlight the importance of musculoskeletal health as a global health issue and the urgent need to find solutions that encourage better musculoskeletal health.
When someone suffers from poor musculoskeletal health, it can create more than just pain. It can also cause mobility issues and interfere with an individual’s ability to perform their daily activities, both at work and leisure, thereby affecting their quality of life. Those with chronic musculoskeletal pain may also find it difficult to sleep at night or struggle with balance, which can leave them more susceptible to further injury.
Musculoskeletal health in the workplace
Employers may not realize the significant role musculoskeletal health plays in their employees’ lives, not just outside the workplace, but also while they are at work. When employees suffer from poor musculoskeletal health, their pain and reduced mobility may manifest as decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. These are a burden not just to employees but also to their employers, giving businesses a vested interest in protecting their employees’ musculoskeletal wellness.
To help their employees achieve better musculoskeletal health, businesses can start programs to educate them and encourage them to adopt healthier practices. Beginning in the workplace is important, as in-office employees often spend eight hours a day (or more) in the office, five days a week, and a significant amount of that time is spent sitting at a desk, which is a well-known leading cause of back and musculoskeletal pain.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Ellen Morello, PT, DPT — a medical advisor for AposHealth — shares her thoughts on how employers can implement programs that help their employees improve their musculoskeletal health.
How businesses can encourage better musculoskeletal health
One of the simplest ways a business can promote musculoskeletal health among its employees is to encourage them to take short, scheduled breaks to stretch or perform mobility exercises.
“Movement breaks don’t have to be long,” explains Dr. Morello. “Even two or three minutes of movement can reduce lower back and knee strain without taking time away from important work activities. Consider integrating these activities into daily routines or reminding people through collaboration tools.”
While many of today’s employee wellness programs take the form of “point-based” systems that reward employees for completing specific activities or meeting certain thresholds, Dr. Morello believes that this approach may not be the most effective.
“Digital tools are convenient, but they work best when combined with personal guidance,” she explains. “Instead of relying on one-off point solutions, aim for a hybrid strategy that blends easy-to-use digital check-ins with access to personalized support.”
Part of this hybrid approach to care that Dr. Morello suggests is accessible workshops on preventative care. Some topics that Dr. Morello proposes include everyday posture, ergonomics, and injury-prevention exercises.
“Keep it practical and relatable — a live demonstration of adjusting desk setups or performing a simple back stretch can go a long way,” she says. “These sessions not only empower employees to take preventive action but also build a proactive culture around health.”
Dr. Morello also explains that it is necessary to “measure, communicate, and iterate” to measure the effectiveness of a musculoskeletal health wellness initiative. “Track what’s working by setting clear, simple metrics — like reduced sick days or fewer back/knee pain reports,” she says. “Share these wins across your organization. When everyone sees the tangible benefits, from improved employee comfort to financial savings, it reinforces the program’s value.”
However, according to Dr. Morello, it’s important not to overcomplicate wellness initiatives. Sometimes, simplicity is better, as it can lead to higher participation levels and greater engagement.
“Focus on streamlined, evidence-based activities that are easy to adopt,” suggests Dr. Morello. “Keep your initiatives simple — no heavy manuals or daunting tech. Not all employees are tech-savvy or want complicated programs. A straightforward solution or program people can adhere to is the way to go.”
Indeed, by investing in programs that encourage better musculoskeletal health, businesses have the opportunity to make a significant difference in their employees’ well-being and productivity. With just a few minutes a day and by providing employees with valuable education and resources, businesses can see benefits in everything from absenteeism to employee performance. By applying Dr. Morello’s tips, business leaders can develop a program that genuinely meets the needs of their employees.