Physical wellbeing as a business issue.
Physical wellbeing is mostly talked about as an individual responsibility, but it is also a business issue. In January, we hosted a Federation of Small Business Networking event in our Albyn Terrace Studio; and this was the very topic that Clinic Director and MSK Specialist Physiotherapist, Laura Patterson, spoke about during the event.
Laura’s talk focused on where small, practical changes can make a measurable difference in real workplaces. The aim is not to turn managers or leaders into healthcare experts, but to encourage (and support) consideration of movement-based strategies that can be realistically implemented at work.
Musculoskeletal pain and the workplace.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the biggest drivers of workplace absence and presenteeism. Presenteeism often goes unnoticed. People may still be attending work, but doing so in pain and not functioning at their full capacity. In many organisations, this hidden impact is harder to identify than absence, but no less significant.
Across most workplaces, similar patterns are consistently seen:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Fatigue
- Low physical resilience
- Stress-induced physical ailments
These issues are not confined to physically demanding roles; and they are common across desk-based roles. Pain has wider effects beyond physical discomfort - it can impact sleep, focus, decision-making and mood - all of which influence performance at work.
Prevention, not reaction.
Many businesses spend more time and resources reacting to problems once they have escalated rather than preventing them earlier. Generic wellbeing initiatives do not always meet people’s needs, particularly as those needs change across different life stages.
Inclusive wellbeing is not about special treatment, but about providing support that is relevant and effective. When people feel that support applies to them, engagement tends to increase.
An example of this could be during pregnancy, simply enabling a staff member with pelvic pain to switch to sitting on a gym ball rather than a chair, can help promote movement and prevent developing worsening pain.
Menopause and the workforce.
Menopause is one life stage that highlights the importance of relevant support at work, as it affects women who are often at the peak of their careers. Women of peri-menopausal and menopausal age are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. In this context, menopause becomes a retention issue rather than purely a health issue.
The key question for a business is: What can be done to support experienced staff to remain in the workforce?
Common menopause-related physical symptoms can include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Pelvic health symptoms
These symptoms are common and manageable, but without appropriate support they can escalate unnecessarily.
Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists regularly visit workplaces to provide workshops, or lunch and learn sessions on understanding Menopause, the impact it can have on the workforce and simple solutions for supporting staff during this transitional time.
The Role of movement in workplace wellbeing.
Movement is one of the most effective tools for managing pain, energy levels and physical resilience. Simple movement strategies - or “movement snacks” - can be used during the working day to support physical wellbeing.
Pelvic tilts or thoracic rotations are great examples of movement snacks, that you can even do while sitting at your desk.
Physiotherapy can support early intervention, helping to address issues before they develop into absence. Pilates and Reformer Pilates can support strength and posture, particularly for desk-based workers.
Effective support does not need to involve large-scale policy change. It can include:
- Early access to advice
- Regular movement
- Practical education
Normalising physical wellbeing helps reduce stigma and delays in seeking support.
Why physical wellbeing matters for businesses.
Businesses that support physical wellbeing can reduce absence and presenteeism. They are more likely to retain experienced staff and demonstrate inclusive leadership. Supporting wellbeing sends a clear message that physical health is taken seriously within the organisation.
At ReformPhysio & Pilates, we support organisations with practical, individualised physiotherapy and movement-based solutions. Our role is to support teams so they can perform at their best capacity.
If you would like to discuss how we could support your workforce, through Physiotherapy sessions, educational workshops on movement or menopause email us at hello@reformphysiopilates.co.uk we would love to hear from you.