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Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Health and productivity of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) says a study.

Office Job Computer Business Office Worker 4552682 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Godrej Interio, a furniture solutions brand, in home and institutional segments, has published the findings of an exclusive study titled ‘Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Employees’ (WMSDs).

To understand the employee expectations and concerns in the hybrid work model, the Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell conducted a nation-wide study that uncovers different aspects such as employees’ concerns related to body pain while working, incorrect work tool integration, and views on long work hours and static muscle load in office.

Work Employee Business Man Cartoon Office Delay 6974010 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

A total of 500 office-going employees participated in the research in the age group 21–40 years, most of them, working for MNCs and Indian corporates.

  • 46% of employees experienced pain in one focused area and over 50% of employees experienced pain in multiple areas
  • 15% of employees took a leave of 3-4 days in the last six months on account of physical pain
Man Employee Exhausted Stress Tired Burnout Male 5754626 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

According to the study, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are becoming a growing concern due to their impact on employee productivity and well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.”

Office Colleagues Worker Business Man Computer 2940931 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

However, WMSDs are conditions in which the work environment and the tasks performed at work significantly worsen the condition, especially if it persists for an extended period of time.

Employee Business Chair Mail Desktop Tie Laptop 2742307 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

91% of workers are not fully aware of the workplace factors that can endanger their health and cause the onset of WMSDs (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) while 82% of employees reported concerns related to body pain while working from home.

The study revealed that sedentary postures, a lack of ergonomic remote work spaces, lack of postural breaks, improper work-tool interaction, inappropriate furniture, and long workdays all contribute to the aggravation of WMSDs.

Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

An overarching worry uncovered in the study was that 64% of employees spend more than 9 hours a day seated and 50% of employees use laptops for a minimum of 6-7 hours causing physical health risks such as eye strain, finger pain, backache, neck pain, and sleep disturbances.

Despite all these concerns, 95% of the employees are unaware of the ill effects of maintaining a static posture.

Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Sameer Joshi, Associate Vice President, Marketing (B2B), Godrej Interio said, “The hybrid work model has brought about fundamental shifts – mental health has been prioritized, physical work spaces have been optimised and technology has become even more pervasive. However, the incorrect use of work tools – technology or otherwise – has resulted in prolonged working hours for employees, giving rise to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), a predominant deterrent to employee health and productivity.”

Sitting Laptop Woman Sofa Couch Notebook Watch 1459220 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

This study has suggested a systematic and structured approach to ergonomics training that could reduce the risk of WMSDs among office goers.

In order to counter and reduce their prevalence, organisations must critically assess parameters like employee behaviour, and work tool interaction prior to opting for a training program.

Isolated Business Silhouette Teamwork Man Computer 3120378 Health of 76% workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workforce suffers from work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

In addition, they should consider environmental parameters like illumination, and thermal and acoustic comfort, which equally affect employee health.

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