Changes in hybrid working challenging MSK health
We talk to Rick Haslam, PhysioMedics non-executive director, about what today’s hybrid working model looks like, the impact it’s having on MSK health and what employers and insurers can do to mitigate risks, reduce insurance claims and improve health outcomes for employees/members.
What does the new ‘hybrid working’ model look like?
Since the turn of this year it’s become more and more apparent that hybrid working is here to stay with 90% of UK businesses now operating a flexible working model. Many expected a return to the ‘norm’ with time in the office in some shape or form. But the surprising trend, identified by the office of national statistics, is that those wishing to work more from home is on the rise and it’s clear that bad home working habits are simply no longer sustainable.
What are the key concerns?
During Covid routines were upset, UK workers often worked extra hours or neglected breaks, many without the correct equipment such as desks or monitors. Nearly half of UK workers that worked from a sofa or bedroom said they developed musculoskeletal problems (48%) and we already know that MSK conditions limit mobility and dexterity, leading to early retirement, lower levels of wellbeing and reduced ability to participate in society.
Is there a rising cost to health and society of poor MSK health?
Yes. MSK conditions are now the costliest cause of insurance claims for employers worldwide, accounting for the largest percentage of private medical claims costs for employers globally in 2021. Dr Leena Johns, Head of Health and Wellness at Maxis GBN, stated in their most recent report that "with the shift to working from home and poor ergonomic working environments, we may find that MSK issues continue to rise in 2022 and beyond. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy could help to give better results for patients and lower costs but access remains a problem".
So what actions can be taken by employers?
Employers need to ensure necessary changes are made through adequate home risk assessments, correct ergonomics and encourage the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. It is also the time to embrace digital health tools now that people are much more comfortable with using digital services and receiving healthcare treatment remotely. In the wake of a global health crisis, we have a chance to reinvent our virtual/in-person care models and improve healthcare access, outcomes and affordability for all.
So you think now is the time to embrace digital healthcare tools?
Absolutely. The mechanics of injury have changed over time and are now often simply caused by sitting for too long, without enough breaks, in an unsuitable home office environment. And with a potential growth in the incidence of MSK issues due to these changes in hybrid working, we need new ways of supporting employees which includes giving them the ability to access care quickly, whenever or where ever it's needed. Digital tools that are made more readily available by employers or insurers also provide people with equitable access to care.
Digital MSK triage, for example, could prevent resultant chronic pain as early intervention is proven to have positive outcomes and tools, such as PhysioWizard, which provide self-management exercises, videos and advice have been positively received by users who can access help via phone, tablet or computer.
Employers and insurance companies, if not already, should start looking to these types of digital services to meet the expectations of their employees/members and keep them healthy whilst also addressing some of their biggest cost drivers too.
For further information on the PhysioWizard platform, please visit:
https://www.physiowizard.com/
We talk to Rick Haslam, PhysioMedics non-executive director, about what today’s hybrid working model looks like, the impact it’s having on MSK health and what employers and insurers can do to mitigate risks, reduce insurance claims and improve health outcomes for employees/members.
What does the new ‘hybrid working’ model look like?
Since the turn of this year it’s become more and more apparent that hybrid working is here to stay with 90% of UK businesses now operating a flexible working model. Many expected a return to the ‘norm’ with time in the office in some shape or form. But the surprising trend, identified by the office of national statistics, is that those wishing to work more from home is on the rise and it’s clear that bad home working habits are simply no longer sustainable.
What are the key concerns?
During Covid routines were upset, UK workers often worked extra hours or neglected breaks, many without the correct equipment such as desks or monitors. Nearly half of UK workers that worked from a sofa or bedroom said they developed musculoskeletal problems (48%) and we already know that MSK conditions limit mobility and dexterity, leading to early retirement, lower levels of wellbeing and reduced ability to participate in society.
Is there a rising cost to health and society of poor MSK health?
Yes. MSK conditions are now the costliest cause of insurance claims for employers worldwide, accounting for the largest percentage of private medical claims costs for employers globally in 2021. Dr Leena Johns, Head of Health and Wellness at Maxis GBN, stated in their most recent report that "with the shift to working from home and poor ergonomic working environments, we may find that MSK issues continue to rise in 2022 and beyond. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy could help to give better results for patients and lower costs but access remains a problem".
So what actions can be taken by employers?
Employers need to ensure necessary changes are made through adequate home risk assessments, correct ergonomics and encourage the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. It is also the time to embrace digital health tools now that people are much more comfortable with using digital services and receiving healthcare treatment remotely. In the wake of a global health crisis, we have a chance to reinvent our virtual/in-person care models and improve healthcare access, outcomes and affordability for all.
So you think now is the time to embrace digital healthcare tools?
Absolutely. The mechanics of injury have changed over time and are now often simply caused by sitting for too long, without enough breaks, in an unsuitable home office environment. And with a potential growth in the incidence of MSK issues due to these changes in hybrid working, we need new ways of supporting employees which includes giving them the ability to access care quickly, whenever or where ever it's needed. Digital tools that are made more readily available by employers or insurers also provide people with equitable access to care.
Digital MSK triage, for example, could prevent resultant chronic pain as early intervention is proven to have positive outcomes and tools, such as PhysioWizard, which provide self-management exercises, videos and advice have been positively received by users who can access help via phone, tablet or computer.
Employers and insurance companies, if not already, should start looking to these types of digital services to meet the expectations of their employees/members and keep them healthy whilst also addressing some of their biggest cost drivers too.
For further information on the PhysioWizard platform, please visit:
https://www.physiowizard.com/
