Five tips for accommodating employees with osteoarthritis in the workplace
Employees are working longer hours and continuing to work past the traditional retirement age. The more time employees spend at work means the more time they spend on their feet, or in their chairs, which can cause long-term strain on the body. This wear and tear can lead to chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and joint pain conditions — conditions like osteoarthritis.
By accommodating employees with osteoarthritis, you can reduce long-term health costs for your business. When employees experience less daily osteoarthritis pain, you’ll see lower absenteeism and higher productivity — and potentially avoid more costly care down the line.
Here are a few ways you and a Wellmark health plan can accommodate and support employees with osteoarthritis, while lowering future costs.
What is osteoarthritis?
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, osteoarthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease that often involves the hips, knees, neck or lower back. It can stem from a prior injury, incorrect movement over time or carrying excess body weight. There are a number of treatments for osteoarthritis. However, without early treatment, osteoarthritis can require full replacement of a knee, hip or another joint down the road or even result in disability.
Prioritize musculoskeletal health in your workplace
MSK conditions may impact more of your employees than you realize. Learn more about these conditions and why keeping this system healthy is imperative to managing health costs for you and your employees.
How does employee osteoarthritis impact your workplace?
Research has shown that workplaces that have employees standing, sitting or kneeling for several hours without breaks or ergonomic furniture can contribute to osteoarthritis. Other factors like chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, or high blood pressure) or previous joint injuries can also increase the likelihood of employees developing osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders.
As planned knee and hip replacements continue to rise among Americans between the ages of 35 and 64, so will the cost. That doesn’t just concern your employees — it impacts your business as well. your business as well.
Supporting employees with osteoarthritis in the workplace
Addressing osteoarthritis early on is one of the best ways to avoid poor health and higher health costs later on. So how can you support employees with osteoarthritis while reducing its impact over time? Consider offering these five workplace accommodations to employees with osteoarthritis, chronic pain or other musculoskeletal disorders.
1.
Promote preventive care
Many chronic conditions and pains can be pinpointed by a primary care provider during an annual wellness exam. Preventive care can help your employees address symptoms early and manage musculoskeletal conditions to avoid more costly surgeries and time away from work later. The Wellmark Marketing Toolkit has materials you can use to help employees find a provider, check their coverage and learn more about preventive services.
Employees also have several helpful programs and resources available through their Wellmark health plan. Be sure to remind employees of these benefits.
Many Wellmark health plans cover early treatment for osteoarthritis and other MSK conditions. Employees with MSK conditions, like osteoarthritis, can self-refer into case management services and get extra help managing their condition and navigating their options for care. And, if an employee does need surgery, like a hip or knee replacement, they have access to quality surgeons and facilities through the Wellmark provider network.
2.
Encourage frequent breaks.
Find ways to incorporating standing, walking or stretching breaks throughout the day. Regular movement has been shown to reduce chronic pain in those with osteoarthritis.
3.
Provide exercise solutions.
Offering on-site facilities or gym reimbursements can foster a workplace of movement and support overall well-being. Even employees who lose a few pounds (as requested by their doctor) can reap the benefits of less chronic joint pain and reduced osteoarthritis symptoms.
Remind employees of the free fitness content available through Wellmark Connect powered by WebMD®. Employees can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on fitness and healthy living items — like fitness trackers, exercise equipment and gym memberships —from Blue365®.
4.
Take accessibility measures.
If you have an employee struggling with chronic pain, consider offering “reserved” parking spaces — in addition to handicap spots — close to the building.
5.
Invest in ergonomic-friendly furniture.
It’s simple — when your employees are free from pain and discomfort, they’re more productive and have a higher quality of life. Investing in ergonomic furniture for your workplace doesn’t need to be expensive — and many stores offer rebates!
More resources for employees with osteoarthritis, chronic pain or musculoskeletal disorders
Have questions about musculoskeletal health and the solutions Wellmark offers? Contact your authorized Wellmark account representative or email us at blueatwork@wellmark.com.
Disclosures
WebMD® is a registered mark of WebMD Health Services Group, Inc. WebMD is a separate company that provides wellness services on behalf of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Blue365® is a discount program available to members who have medical coverage with Wellmark. This is NOT insurance. Blue365® is a registered mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.