According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), low back pain (LBP) causes more global disability than any other condition. According to a report by Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), nearly one in four U.S. employees report experiencing lower-back pain. This costs businesses $51,400 annually per 100 employees, in lost productivity and medical treatments, IBI also reported that lost work time and underperformance on the job (presenteeism) due to low-back pain costs employers $34,600 per 100 workers.
How to Support Back Care at the Workplace and Home Office
- Offer sit-stand workstations, ergonomic chairs and floor mats.
- Encourage workers to take brief, two to three-minute fitness breaks throughout the day for brisk walking, stretching, or stair climbing.
- Educate employees on proper techniques to use when lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
- Use policies and incentives to encourage physical activity. Examples include offering flextime/paid activity breaks to employees and adding short bursts of activity or stretching into meetings.
How to Support Back Care at the Workplace and Home Office
- Work from home ergonomic tips
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Office Ergonomics
- Safe Lifting Techniques
