The digital future of MSK workplace support
Words by Amy Dron at Wellmind Health.
With musculoskeletal disorders accounting for 6.6 million working days lost in 2022/23 and the employment rate for people with MSK conditions and classed as disabled at 57.5%, the impact on individual’s lives, employers and the economy remains significant. Long NHS waiting lists compound the issue, with patients unable to access initial appointments and then treatment for considerable periods. Fresh approaches and tools are required to support people to remain in and return to work.
A new approach
Traditional workplace support has focused on tackling ergonomic adaptations such as rising desks and adjustable chairs. While these play an important part in aiding prevention and deterioration of MSK conditions, it is vital also to address and support behavioural aspects if significantly more positive outcomes are to be achieved.
Digital programs offer an accessible and cost-effective way to provide effective support rapidly to employees living with challenges related to pain, helping them learn to self- manage their conditions.
Wellmind Health web-based programs
At Wellmind Health, our unique digital web-based pain management programs Pathway through Pain and Pathway through Arthritis have been specifically designed to help reduce the impact of pain and arthritis on daily life through the practice of mindfulness and/or pain self-management methods, and cognitive approaches learnt throughout the programs.
The digital nature of the programs means they are available for employees to access 24/7 at convenient times for them, and on-demand if they need additional support at work. They are discreet for employees, cost-effective for employers and deliver significant outcomes not directly related to pain such as a 38% reduction in trouble concentrating and a 47% improvement in confidence to live a normal lifestyle.
By empowering participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively overcome barriers in the workplace, digital programs provide a vital and effective new approach to supporting employees living with chronic pain to remain in and be productive at work, beyond ergonomic adaptations.
If you would like to learn more about the application of digital programs in the workplace you can visit the Wellmind Workplace website or register for one of their dedicated webinars here.
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If you would like to have your say or get involved in this conversation, please contact BATA’s Communications Coordinator, Jade Hegarty, at jade.hegarty@bataonline.org.
