Stress can have a wide range of effects on the body, one of the most common being musculoskeletal pain. Stressed employees suffering discomfort at work are likely to be less productive; What can organisations do to support employees in pain, to improve workforce productivity?
In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress has become a prevalent concern impacting both employees and businesses alike. Coupled with the rise in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), this tandem poses significant challenges to workplace wellbeing and productivity. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for organisations to address both issues effectively with the support of proactive solutions such as DocHQ Physio. Let’s delve into how stress and MSDs intersect and how DocHQ Physio can alleviate these burdens, while offering a myriad of benefits for businesses.
Stress and Musculoskeletal Disorders
The Workplace Health Report paints a stark picture: 13.7 million working days are lost each year in the UK due to work-related stress, anxiety and depression, costing a staggering £28.3 billion annually. Moreover, 76% of employees report moderate-to-high or high levels of stress. Amidst these alarming figures, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) emerge as significant contributors.
MSDs encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and other soft tissues in the body, often resulting from repetitive tasks, poor posture or prolonged periods of inactivity. Stress exacerbates these issues by triggering muscle tension, reducing pain tolerance and impairing recovery mechanisms. Consequently, employees grappling with stress are more susceptible to MSDs, leading to a vicious cycle of discomfort and decreased productivity.
DocHQ Physio: Your partner in stress reduction and pain management
With a personalised approach to employee health, DocHQ Physio offers tailored solutions to mitigate stress and alleviate the burden of MSDs. Here’s how:
- Customised treatment plans: DocHQ’s team of Chartered Physiotherapists craft bespoke at-home treatment plans for employees following a comprehensive remote consultation and assessment. This empowers employees to address underlying musculoskeletal issues caused by stress. Tailored exercise plans, delivered fully remotely via laptop or smart device, not only help to relieve tension, but also bolster individuals’ physical resilience, fostering a holistic sense of wellbeing.
- Pain management expertise: DocHQ Physio’s dedicated team of Chartered Physiotherapists possess the highest level of expertise in pain management, equipping employees with strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility and strength.
- Accessibility: DocHQ Physio breaks down the barriers to accessing quality musculoskeletal care, regardless of location or physical limitations. The remote service is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with stress and other mental health conditions, who may face challenges in travelling to traditional healthcare facilities.
- Advanced technology: DocHQ Physio uses AI-driven motion tracking technology that provides real-time corrective feedback on movement as the employee performs their video-guided treatment plan. This ensures that exercises are performed accurately and effectively, to optimise recovery time.
Unlocking business benefits
The benefits of partnering with DocHQ Physio extend far beyond individual wellbeing, offering a multitude of advantages for businesses:
- Reduced absenteeism: By proactively addressing stress-related MSDs, DocHQ Physio helps to reduce absenteeism, ensuring a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.
- Enhanced workplace wellbeing: Through targeted interventions and support, DocHQ Physio cultivates a culture of wellbeing, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
- Cost savings: The remote nature of DocHQ Physio offers significant cost savings for employers. This, coupled with improved adherence rates resulting in faster return to work, means significant cost savings in days lost to ill health, long-term sick leave and health insurance premiums, as well as improved productivity for a healthier bottom line.
The nexus between stress and MSDs underscores the need for proactive intervention in the workplace. With DocHQ Physio by your side, businesses can navigate these challenges with confidence, fostering a healthier, happier and more resilient workforce.
