Back in Business

June 30, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

Your employees’ aching backs can hit you where it hurts.

Back pain is one of the top reasons cited for missed workdays and doctor’s visits, according to the Mayo Clinic. And most people will experience it at some time in their lives.

Whether it’s a chronic low-grade ache or pain caused by strain or injury, back pain makes it difficult or impossible to focus on anything else.

So even when your employees do show up to work despite their pain, they probably won’t be very productive.

The good news is that many episodes of back pain are preventable.

Because most people don’t think about their back until they’re already suffering, it’s a good idea to share some tips on back pain prevention with your employees.

Making a few simple changes in daily habits can help avoid the ache before it starts:

Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Office workers should take every opportunity to shift their weight, stand up, and move around to avoid low-back pain common among people confined to a desk chair most of the day. For a fitness bonus, use the time to take a quick walk around the building or up and down a flight of stairs.

Examine work spaces for potential ergonomic problems: an unbalanced chair, an uneven floor, the position of phones and computers. Employees should be able to work comfortably without awkward stretching or reaching. Placing a pillow behind the lower back can provide extra support.

Exercise. Built-up tension from a long day at work can take its toll on the back. Release the tension (and enjoy the other benefits of physical activity) by fitting in a daily workout.