Key contributions
- Construction workers are at high risk for chronic pain due to the physically demanding nature of their work.
- The benefits of chronic pain management can help reduce opioid dependence, increase productivity, and foster a supportive work environment.
- Employers have a critical role to play in supporting these employees through access to pain management benefits, flexible work arrangements and education.
- Offering chronic pain management benefits demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, which leads to greater satisfaction and retention.
Construction is known for its physically demanding nature, and its workers are at increased risk for injuries that can lead to chronic pain, especially MSK injuries. As a result, those in construction often end up with higher health care utilization, challenges with presenteeism, increased risk of substance use disorders, and poor quality of life, including mental health problems.
Building benefits must address these specific challenges to be useful.
Unfortunately, as digital physical therapy solutions have been introduced to benefit plans over the past 5 years, they have failed to help those struggling with chronic pain improve access to pain care. Rates of opioid misuse, mental health problems, employee retention and other problems related to chronic pain have not improved.
For employees with ongoing pain to be truly supported, a more comprehensive approach is needed.
Benefits that focus on holistic digital pain management can improve the overall well-being of these employees by addressing the physical, emotional and social aspects of their pain.
Offering benefits to employees who address chronic pain management can be a game changer for construction companies. This is how:
Increased productivity
Chronic pain can interfere with an employee’s ability to concentrate and perform their job effectively. In fact, chronic pain is associated with an average loss of 5.4 hours of work productivity per week. Digital chronic pain management programs can help workers identify healthy strategies to get them through their workday, such as gentle stretching, mindfulness and meditation, and breathing exercises that can calm the nervous system and reduce pain’s interference with their daily activities. By providing access to chronic pain management programs, employers can help workers better manage their pain, increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism.
Addressing mental health challenges
Chronic pain is closely related to mental health. If an employee is living with chronic pain, there is a high likelihood that they are also dealing with feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or isolation. Offering a chronic pain management benefit, rather than just digital physical therapy, can help address these issues by including cognitive behavioral therapy tailored to those living with chronic pain.
Reduction of dependence on opioids
Historically, opioids have been a common treatment for chronic pain. However, this has resulted in aa opioid use disorder crisis that disproportionately affects the construction workforce. By offering benefits that support alternative chronic pain management strategies, employers can help workers make smart decisions about pain management prescriptions.
Foster a supportive work environment
Chronic pain can come with a lot of stigma. For employees, job security can drive them to push through the pain, or worse, to work under the influence of substances just to get through the day.
Employers can play a critical role in reducing stigma by providing a supportive work environment for employees living with chronic pain. This includes listening to employees, preventing chronic work-related painand determine reasonable accommodations for those who are experiencing a pain flare. Additionally, educating all employees about the challenges associated with chronic pain can foster empathy and reduce stigma.
Improve employee retention
Living with chronic pain can be a significant challenge. When employers offer support through chronic pain management benefits, they demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their employees. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention. Chronic pain programs that address the physical and emotional causes of persistent pain can be especially impactful.
The bottom line
Construction is an essential industry for our economy, but one that will continue to be physically demanding and haunted by these demands. By offering a digital benefit for chronic pain management, construction companies can increase productivity, offer alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications, foster a supportive work environment, and improve employee retention. It is an advantage for both the company and its employees.
Actionable steps
- Research chronic pain management programs that can be offered as an employee benefit.
- Develop a plan to educate managers and employees about chronic pain and its impact on the workplace.
- Consider partnering with a provider who specializes in chronic pain management to provide a comprehensive program.
- Review existing policies to ensure they support employees with chronic pain, such as flexible work arrangements and accommodations.
By taking these steps, construction companies can support their workers in managing chronic pain, resulting in a healthier and more productive workforce.