Keeping Employees Pain Free | SMALL BUSINESS
by Dr Michelle E. Collie, PT, DPT, MS, OCS Performance Physical Therapy
Employees in pain have a tremendous impact on our businesses. A 2010 report found that the value of lost productivity in a year from employees in pain ranged from $297.4 to 335.5 billion*. Studies show that most of the lost productivity occurs due to reduced performance while employees in pain are at work**. Consider these simple tips to promote a pain free and productive work environment. Motivate Moving For many people work consists of sitting,
a detrimental effect on the health of joints and muscles creating aches, pain and injuries. Combat these sustained postures by motivating movement; 1.
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Lunch time walks will encourage optimize joint and muscle health, in addition to creating appropriate time in the day for social engagement. Provide employees with pedometers. A recent study found the average American takes 5117 steps in a day***, compared to the recommended 10,000 steps per day. Create a friendly competition promoting increased steps over the course of a week.
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Consider having a physical therapist
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on simple and safe exercises to do at work, or a pilates or yoga instructor to provide a series of classes. Sign your company up for a local 5K! This may motivate people whom have never walked or run this distance to train for the event.
Promote Posture Poor posture places excessive stresses on ligaments and muscles, resulting in back aches, sore necks and headaches. Provide simple tools to promote optimal postural alignment. 1. For people working at desks, ensure appropriate seating and work station set up to minimize slouching, and poor head and neck positioning. Consider foot stools, large balls for sitting, headsets, lumbar and wrist
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needs of the employee. For people who stand for long periods provide a small stool for one foot to rest on and ensure computer monitors are at eye level. Even perfect posture creates added stress to the body if sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Promote 30-second breaks every 15 minutes to stretch, move and change positions.
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Provide education and resources on ergonomics, body mechanics employees job description and make certain employees follow through with any recommendations provided.
Hydrate It is believed that many Americans are always dehydrated, contributed to by the amounts of caffeinated beverages many drink. Headaches and muscle cramps are common symptoms associated with dehydration. Provide employees with access to ‘desirable’ water, such as promote more walking and people walk to the water source and to the bathroom! Taking measures to prevent pain for employees is a requirement for the small business employer. Minimizing pain will save money and time spent out of work, improve morale as efforts will clearly show your team that you care.
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*Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Report. Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research, 2011. The National Academies Press, Washington DC. ** Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, Morganstein D, Lipton R. Lost productive time and cost due to common pain conditions in the US workforce. JAMA. 2003 Nov 12;290(18):2443-54. ***Bassett, D.R. JR, Wyatt, H.R, Thompson, H, Peters, J.C, Hill, J. O. PedometerMeasured Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in U.S. Adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: October 2010 - Volume 42 - Issue 10 - pp 1819-1825.
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