If you have employees whose jobs require sitting at a desk, perhaps in front of a computer screen, for all or most of the day, some serious health issues may result. Sure, not all employees will experience problems, but there are things you can do to minimize or avoid health issues for the rest.
Common desk-related health problems:
Eye strain
According to the Third Annual Workplace Vision Health Report, found that desk workers average 99.2 hours of screen time each week. And 71% say their screen-related eye strain adversely impacts their productivity.
What to do:
Be sure that monitors are placed at a comfortable distance (at least arms’ length). Adjust the brightness; full brightness isn’t necessary and cause eye strain. Encourage eye breaks. Provide ways to cover the cost of regular eye exams. For example, this can be done through an Excepted Benefit HRA to supplement a group health plan that doesn’t include eyecare. Health Care FSA can also be used for eye care.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that can result from repetitive hand movements that compress the median nerve in the wrist. It is common among office workers who spend hours with data entry, but it can also impact construction workers who use handheld vibrating tools (e.g., jackhammers; power saws). When employees have CTS, it can impact their employers:
- Chronic pain from CTS can affect productivity. Those with the condition may work slower, have less strength, and experience problems with dexterity.
- Chronic pain from CTS can affect mood, causing problems with customers, coworkers, and others.
- CTS is one of the most common workers’ compensation claims. If an employee’s workers’ comp claim for CTS is successful (and it’s not always so because it must be proven that the CTS resulted from work and not another health condition), the award can exceed $34,000. While insurance may cover the initial payment, it can cause an increase in the company’s premiums.
What to do:
Employers need to take preventive measures as well as address remedies for those experiencing the condition. Think ergonomics for prevention…proper equipment to support wrist position. Provide microbreaks (e.g., 30-60 seconds every 20 to 30 minutes). Encourage employees to report symptoms (assuring them that they won’t be penalized for doing so) and seek medical treatment. Employers can also provide accommodations (e.g., alternative tasks).
Back issues
Like CTS, back problems are a common affliction among office workers who sit in front of commuter screens all day. And also like CTS, back problems can result in reduced productivity, absenteeism and turnover, workers’ comp claims, and even legal risks (ADA claims; OSHA fines under the General Duty Clause).
What do to:
Again, ergonomics should be used to prevent problems. Provide chairs with lumbar support. Position the monitor at eye level and the keyboard at elbow height. Consider investing in sit-stand desks (cost: about $300 and up). Encourage movement…walks and stretches. For those already experiencing back pain, determine whether is a disability under the ADA for which a reasonable accommodation must be made. Even if it’s not, an accommodation may alleviate at least some of the back pain.
Final thoughts
“Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business.” ~ Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group
Employers can’t solve every issue for every employee. But they can pay attention to situations that can lead to or exacerbate health conditions that ultimately cost the company money. Become proactive. Invest in equipment to avoid problems. The cost of an ergonomic workspace can cost from about $500 to $3,000, but you can manage costs with used equipment. And this cost is certainly must lower than the costs to the company for problems…lost productivity, turnover, bad morale, higher workers’ comp premiums, and on and on.
A Gallup Poll found that investing in workplace wellbeing is worth it. The poll showed that employees in companies that care about their wellbeing are:
- 4.4 times as likely to be engaged at work
- 7 times as likely to strongly agree they would recommend their organization as a great place to work
- 73% less likely to feel burned out at work very often or always
- 53% less likely to be watching for or actively seeking a new job
- 50% more likely to be thriving in life
Tips to help create a healthy workplace environment can be found in this list of blogs.
