Mental health and musculoskeletal health of employees should be a top priority for employers. And they are far more connected than one might think. Together, these conditions are the leading causes of workplace absence. If an employee’s mental health is declining, chances are their physical health will also be suffering.

As a leading physiotherapy provider, it is our aim not just to help with any musculoskeletal conditions that may be present but also to take care of employee’s mental wellbeing as mental health can impact recovery.

Research indicates that there is a link between an individual’s risk of an MSK injury and their risk of anxiety or depression: over a third of older adults with MSK pain were found to also have persistent anxiety issues and over a fifth had a persistent depression problem. Both conditions can vary in severity but can cause a significant impact on health, and quality of life.

Understanding the risks

Research is key. Identify patterns in employee sickness and health data as well as provide surveys to show which benefits would be the highest value to employees. It’s important to understand how both issues are presenting in the workforce. How many people are struggling with both conditions? Is one typically experienced first? Or is there something in the workplace itself that could be contributing to either condition?

Proactivity and Prevention

Employers have a duty of care towards their employees and taking a proactive approach towards mental health and musculoskeletal health can reduce the cost of absences. Promoting stress reduction programmes and providing employees with knowledge on the importance of caring the for their bodies as well as their minds can help educate the workforce and raise awareness.

An employee who presents with an MSK issue should simultaneously be provided with support for the mental health impact that may cause them and vice versa.