The £3.8 Billion Problem Employers Can’t Ignore: Back Pain at Work

Mark Laidlaw
Client Relationship Manager
Parallel Employee Benefits

We’re often asked “are you sitting comfortably?”, but what about “are you sitting correctly?”! With a rise in the amount of time spent sitting at a desk or looking down at a screen, the chances that we’re doing this on a supportive seat or with the correct posture are slim.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2023/24, 543,000 UK employees experienced a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, leading to 7.8 million lost working days and costing the NHS around £500 million annually.*

For employers, the impact is just as significant: reduced productivity, higher levels of absenteeism, and the rising challenge of presenteeism. Back pain alone is estimated to account for £3.8 billion in lost productivity every year.*

It’s easy to overlook (until the discomfort kicks in), but back pain is currently one of the most common work-related health issues affecting desk-based and screen-using employees. 

And the effects go beyond pain – poor posture, tension in the upper back and neck, reduced concentration, fatigue, even mental pressure. According to Posturite.com, over half of office workers report physical discomfort at their desks, and many take time off or underperform because of it. 

This October is ‘Backcare Awareness Week’ (6-11 October), perhaps gives you a timely chance to reflect and review how frequently staff are having desk-based assessments or when you last shared tips on posture, ergonomic setups, and ways to move more during the day. 

Here are some suggestions, as shared by Backcare.org.uk the official organisers of Backcare Awareness Week:

• Run fresh DSE assessments (in the office & for remote workers) – check that every workstation is ergonomically set up: correct chair height, lumbar support, monitor at eye level, keyboard/mouse positions.
• Share easy posture & movement tips – reminders to take micro breaks, stretch, stand up regularly, avoid slouching help relieve strain over time.
• Introduce / re-promote ergonomic equipment – adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, monitor arms, footrests, etc., all help reduce back strain.
• Use awareness channels – use the Parallel Employee App or Employer Benefits Hub to remind staff where they can find providers to support with appointments with specialists if they are experiencing discomfort 
• Leadership buy-in – if team leaders model good habits (stretch breaks, workstation changes), others are more likely to follow.

Why now?

It’s likely that this is something of high priority within your organisation, but we often forget to send reminders – this Backcare Awareness Week might give you a natural opportunity to bring this topic back into focus. It’s visible, timely, and reminds everyone that back health is part of overall wellbeing, not just for those already complaining of pain. Simple and supportive reminders now can keep your people strong, focused, pain-free, and productive.

If you need support and further information regarding content within this article, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Client Relationship Director, Caroline Masterton, directly. We’re all here to work with you and your teams, ensuring they’re getting and accessing benefits relevant to them, and you. caroline.masterton@parallel-eb.co.uk // 020 8877 8306

*Source: Postrite.co.uk