Comprehensive Guide to Workplace Health Issues and Practical Solutions for 2024
Workplace and Working Related Health Issues and Their Solutions
Working from home or in an office can bring up various health issues. From back pain to eye strain, many people face these problems daily. It's crucial to address these issues to ensure a healthier and more productive work life.
Recent stats from a study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found 41 percent of remote workers reported lower back pain and 23.5 percent reported neck pain. In addition, 50 percent of respondents said they had neck pain.
Also, a Workplace Vision Health Report highlights that an alarming 43% of Americans experience eye strain due to work on screens. We'll look into these common and some more complex health problems to provide simple and practical solutions to help you feel better at work.
2024 Workplace Vision Health Report
First Understand the Nature of Problems Workers Face
We are going to divide the workforce issues into two categories. The first category is employees working from home or freelancers working with independent clients.
The second type would be people sitting in the office for an 8 hour shift and facing problems in the workplace.
It is also possible that both categories go through the same work related issue, suppose they can take a toll on their mental health no matter if they are working in office premises or from home.
Health issues of Remote Workers, Freelancers, or Working from Home
1. Back Pain
Back pain is a big issue for people working from home. Many homes don't have proper desks or chairs, making it easy to sit in bad positions. This can hurt your back. As per research data, FEZIBO found that “92% of chiropractors (out of 213 respondents) reported that patients report more neck pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues since the stay-at-home guidance started, according to an April Facebook survey from the American Chiropractic Association.”
Sitting too long without good support can really strain your back. But small changes can help! Use a good chair, take breaks to stretch, and set up your workspace better. Doing these things can cut back pain by 30%, making work much easier and more comfy.
The Pandemic of Work-From-Home Injuries - The New York Times.
2. Neck Strain
Neck strain is another common issue for those working from home. Without the right desk setup, people often hunch or look down at screens, which can hurt the neck. A 2023 study by the JOURNAL OF THERAPIES & REHABILITATION SCIENCES found that about 27% of freelancers suffered from neck and shoulder pain, and 43% suffered from neck pain along with other symptoms.
Sitting in awkward positions for too long puts stress on neck muscles. To ease the strain, try adjusting your screen to eye level and take breaks to stretch and move around. These simple changes can make a big difference and reduce neck pain, helping you work more comfortably.
Frequency of Work-Related Neck Pain in Freelancers.cdr
3. Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue is a frequent issue for remote workers who stare at screens all day. This can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. A study in 2022 by the Vision Council found that 49% of people working from home experience eye fatigue. The main cause is not taking enough breaks to rest your eyes. To help, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness and using blue light filters can also lessen the strain, making your eyes feel much better.
4. Poor Posture
Poor posture is a big problem for people working from home. Many don't have proper desks or chairs, which leads to slouching and leaning forward. This can cause back and neck pain. A study by the National Library of Medicine says, due to lower posture, spine pain is one of the most frequent health problems in the working-age population worldwide.
According to a recent study, the prevalence and incidence of LBP ranged from 1.4% to 20% and from 0.024% to 7%, respectively, in workers. Over time, this can cause serious discomfort. To fix this, use a chair that supports your lower back, keep your feet flat on the floor, and set your screen at eye level. These simple changes can make you feel much better and prevent pain.
5. Mental Stress & Loneliness
Mental stress and loneliness are major issues for remote workers. Being isolated from colleagues can lead to feelings of loneliness and increased stress levels. A 2022 survey by the ZIPEA the Career Expert found that 67% of remote workers reported feeling more stressed, while a Los Angeles reported that 70% felt lonelier when working from home. These issues can impact mental health and productivity. To combat this, make an effort to stay connected with colleagues through video calls and regular check-ins. Also, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and setting boundaries between work and personal time can help reduce stress and feelings of isolation.
6. Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common issue for people working from home. The easy access to snacks and a lack of movement can lead to extra pounds. A Late 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 42% of adults said they gained weight during the pandemic, with remote workers struggling the most. To manage weight, add short exercise breaks to your day. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or doing home workouts can make a big difference. Also, be mindful of your eating habits, opting for healthy snacks instead of junk food.
7. Decreased Physical Activity
Working from home often leads to decreased physical activity. Without a daily commute or walking around an office, many people find themselves moving less. A study analytics in 2022 found that remote workers walk an average of 1,000 fewer steps per day compared to when they work in an office. This lack of physical activity can affect your health and energy levels.
To stay active, try incorporating short walks and stretching into your routine. Even simple changes, like standing while taking calls or setting reminders to move every hour, can help boost your activity levels and improve overall well-being.
Issues of Employees Working at Offices
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common issue for office workers who spend long hours typing on keyboards. It happens when the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand. Luckhaupt et al. concluded that the overall lifetime prevalence of clinician‐diagnosed CTS among current workers was 6.7%, and the 12‐month prevalence was 3.1%, representing approximately 4.8 million workers with current CTS.
Repetitive tasks and poor ergonomic setups can increase the risk. To prevent this, take regular breaks, use ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads, and perform wrist exercises. Making these simple changes can help reduce the chances of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and improve overall comfort.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is a big problem for office workers who sit a lot. Sitting for long periods can lead to health issues like weight gain, heart problems, and diabetes. A 2020 report by the World Health Organization found that 1.8 billion people in the world aren't active enough, which can lead to serious health risks.
Office workers are at higher risk because they sit most of the day. To stay healthy, try to move every hour, take short walks during breaks, and use a standing desk if you can. These simple actions can help you stay healthier and reduce the risks of sitting too much.
Nearly 1.8 billion adults at risk of disease from not doing enough physical activity
3. Workplace Anxiety and Noise Distraction
Workplace anxiety and noise distraction are significant issues for many office workers. According to a study, in the physical workspace environment, noise levels that are too high can negatively affect employees, causing physical symptoms, including high blood pressure and stress related to work (Alfiah Aras et al., 2023)
Additionally, according to a new six-country European survey, excessive noise contributes to anxiety and stress levels. Due to this 38 per cent of workers are at high risk of poor mental health. To combat this, employers can provide noise-canceling headphones, create quiet zones, or allow flexible work arrangements. These measures can help reduce anxiety and improve productivity by minimizing distractions.
4. Respiratory Issues (Due to Air Quality)
Bad air quality in offices can make it tough to breathe and lead to issues like coughing and sneezing. Dust and mold are common culprits. Simple fixes like better ventilation, regular cleaning, and adding indoor plants can make a huge difference. If you notice bad air quality, speak up! Opening windows or using air purifiers can help everyone breathe easier. Fresh, clean air isn't just nice—it's essential for your health.
5. Chronic FatigueFeeling tired all the time? Chronic fatigue can make everyday tasks feel like a mountain. Long hours and high stress are often to blame. Regular breaks, balanced meals, and good sleep can help. Activities like yoga or meditation can also reduce stress. Employers should support a good work-life balance to keep everyone energized. Imagine feeling rested and ready to tackle the day—doesn't that sound great?
6. Repetitive Strain Injury
Typing and using a mouse all day can cause Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), leading to pain and stiffness. To prevent this, take short, regular breaks and do some simple stretches. Ergonomic tools like special keyboards and mouse pads can really help. Good posture is key, so sit properly. Changing tasks throughout the day can give your muscles a much-needed break. Small changes can keep you comfortable and pain-free, making work much more enjoyable.
Now What’s the Solution to Relieve Working Related Health Issues?
Although we have already mentioned the solutions to each problem, but there are some important and major solutions to relieve these health related issues of workers. Whether you are working from home, doing freelancing, or working in offices.
Standing Desks and Ergonomics Chair (for Freelancers, Remote Workers)
Freelancers and remote workers, are you looking to avoid those nagging health issues from sitting too long? A standing desk could be your new best friend. You will be able to easily switch between sitting and standing, giving your posture a natural lift and injecting more energy into your day.
Got a neck to support? An office chair with a headrest can be your neck’s new support. They’re perfect for those extended hours at your desk and offer extra support right where needed. If a tricky back is more your concern, hunting for the best chair for back problems becomes really important. So keep an eye out for an ergonomic office chair with lumbar support.
It's like a gentle reminder for your lower back to stay aligned and pain-free. Best thing is to complement your chair choice with an ergonomics desk, a simple yet perfect setup that encourages posture-friendly working.
Now, feel relaxed thinking about those moments that will last for hours comfortably, thanks to a well-chosen chair. Over at Fezibo, you'll find chairs that are made to hug your back and support your neck and long work sessions a lot less daunting.
Even if you're watching your budget closely, fear not! The market has options like the best affordable office chair that won't make your wallet wince, yet still offer great support. For those battling chronic back pain, investing in the best office chair for back pain could be a life changing moment. Chairs like these are built with one goal: to ease your back pain during those inevitable long hours at the desk.
Availability Health and Safety Programs Offered by Public Institutes
Now these are the programs that help organizations and employees. All the firms should consult these institutes for tools, research, and new policy recommendations for their employee’s safety.
- OSHA Worker Rights and Protections | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Workplace Health Promotion
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
- Employment Standards Administration (ESA)
- National Safety Council (NSC)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC)
- Public Health Service (PHS)
- American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Comfortable and Medically Preferable Furniture for Employees in Offices
Making your office comfy and healthy is crucial for keeping everyone happy and productive. Using the right furniture can make a big difference. Here’s how some items from Fezibo's Accessories can help:
Ergonomic Chairs
An ergonomic chair supports your back, neck, and arms, helping to lower the risk of aches and pains. On top of it, the adjustable settings make it easy to find the perfect sitting position, which reduces long-term health issues and boosts productivity.
Height-Adjustable Desks
Height-adjustable desks let you switch between sitting and standing positions. This will reduce the underlying risks in your employees associated with prolonged sitting and promote better posture and overall health.
Walking Treadmills
A walking treadmill keeps your employees active while working. When they’ll stay active, then it helps in counteracting the negatives of sitting too long, like reduced blood flow and poor well-being.
Monitor Arms and Stands
A monitor arm allows the workers to move their screen to the best position, cutting down on eye strain and neck pain. Then a monitor stand also lifts the screen to a comfortable height, preventing discomfort, especially during long hours at the computer.
Balance Boards
A balance board encourages small movements and helps in improving balance and posture. This keeps your body active and reduces the risks of sitting too much.
File and Storage Cabinets
It is a must to do things on the office premises because keeping the office tidy helps reduce stress and improves focus. File and storage cabinets organize important papers and items, keeping your workspace clutter-free.
Power Strips and Cable Management
A good power strip can manage multiple devices without creating a mess of cords. That is why. Go for a proper cable management solution for the office, and keep the workspace tidy and safe by organizing cords, reducing clutter, and confirming safety and efficiency.
Keyboard Trays
A keyboard tray is what positions the keyboard at the best height, promoting good wrist posture. This helps reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Candidate Should Ask these Questions to Select a Healthy Workplace
Now, when you are being hired, keep these questions in mind to ask the hiring manager. If they have a proper answer to satisfy your concerns, then consider them a place to work. Otherwise, do not take any toll on your mental peace or a risk on your body’s health.
- What is the first step in resolving safety and health issues or concerns in the workplace?
- How do you handle health problems at work?
- What are the health implications of workplace stress on workers?
Questions a Person Should Ask from Himself to Learn What is Best and What’s Not
- What are unacceptable working conditions?
- What are unfair working conditions?
- What is the unsafe condition to work?
- What are intolerable working conditions?
- What are unfair working conditions?
- What is the unsafe condition to work?
- What are intolerable working conditions?
