Getting through the workday can be a struggle when you suffer from chronic pain. Business leaders must be aware of chronic pain and employee turnover prevention strategies to maintain a happy, healthy workforce. Discover how occupational workplace injury management in Wichita, KS, can benefit the workforce and prevent frequent turnover.
Common Ways Employees Sustain Chronic Pain or Injuries in the Workplace
At first glance, a job may not seem physically demanding, but that doesn’t mean everyone working in that position is immune to injuries. Someone who sits at a desk for eight hours a day can end the day in as much pain as someone who lifts heavy objects.
Musculoskeletal pain and injuries often stem from:
- Poor posture
- Repetitive motions
- Sitting for extended periods
- Tripping and falling
- Lack of stretching
No matter what type of business you operate, it’s smart to educate your staff about the risk of injury and take steps to prevent common conditions resulting in chronic pain.
How Pain Impacts Business Productivity
Does one of your employees frequently call out sick due to chronic conditions or extreme physical discomfort? Missed days can stack up quickly across organizations and cause businesses to suffer. Even if someone shows up to work but is not feeling their best, their productivity may take a huge hit.
The impacted worker may decide to seek another position, or employers may terminate their contract because of a continuous decline in productivity. It’s crucial for business leaders to be proactive when it comes to chronic pain and employee turnover prevention.
A Lack of Support Can Fuel High Turnover Rates
Failing to acknowledge your employees’ health concerns can leave them feeling undervalued. Those suffering from chronic pain want colleagues and supervisors to be understanding of their condition and not try to exacerbate their pain. Not supporting these staff members amid their health issues can cause them to leave the company.
Make sure you do everything possible to acknowledge workers who express concerns about chronic pain. Something as simple as allowing them to take breaks to stretch can make them feel valued and more likely to stay in their position.
Why Pain Management Programs Are Among the Best Employee Retention Strategies
Put yourself in your employee’s shoes. Would you be happy in a job that causes or exacerbates certain musculoskeletal disorders? If you’re in pain for most of the workday, chances are you’ll want to find another job that’s easier on the body.
Retaining your staff goes beyond compensating them fairly and providing a good work-life balance. Show you value your team by providing pain management and injury prevention programs. Teaming up with an occupational health services professional lets your workforce discover ways to alleviate the pain for increased comfort and productivity.
Simple Strategies for Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders and Chronic Pain in the Workplace
Addressing chronic pain and employee turnover prevention doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out some expert tips for keeping your workers happy and healthy on the job:
- Improve workplace ergonomics: Evaluate your current workstations and promote better ergonomics by incorporating standing desks or supportive chairs.
- Encourage breaks: Every worker should regularly stretch to avoid the strain of being in one position for an extended period.
- Implement wellness programs: Depending on your business’s structure and location, consider bringing exercise equipment into the building. You can also offer gym memberships to staff as one of your employee benefits.
- Recruit professionals: Let an expert assess the health of your workforce. Team up with a company like WorkSafe to execute personalized physical therapy programs at the job site for injured staff members.
Make Good Health a Part of Your Company’s Culture
The connection between addressing chronic pain and employee turnover prevention impacts businesses nationwide. Don’t assume you only have to develop pain management programs when someone expresses concerns. To retain your current staff and keep new members on board, transform your company culture so it’s health-oriented.
Implement policies and perks that make it clear that your company supports those experiencing health issues. This may ultimately reduce the stigma of dealing with chronic pain.
Prioritize Occupational Health With WorkSafe
At WorkSafe, we understand the complex relationship between chronic pain and employee turnover prevention. Let our experts keep your staff in good health with custom physical therapy programs. We assist with everything from office ergonomics and preventing back pain while driving to pre-employment physicals and more.
Are you ready to improve the well-being of your workforce? Call (316) 262-8800 to learn more about our services and how we can help your business.