When you think back pain, you imagine a move or a false movement. However, according to a study carried out by Fellowes, it is the work of office which is originally for almost half of French employees. If the subject seems discreet, its consequences are very concrete, both for the health of workers and for the business portfolio.
Back pain affects one in two desktops
The study, conducted online with more than 1,000 French employees, sounds the alarm. Indeed, 45 % of those questioned say they suffer from back pain or stiffness when seated in their posts.
A quarter of them say that this discomfort has repercussions on their mood, even on their social life.
Among the solutions identified by employees, 35 % mention the need for better lumbar support and a footrest. Simple tools but still too rarely made available.
“”These statistics are deeply disturbing. French companies are required to ensure the well-being of their employees, they have the duty to assess the risks linked to workstations to guarantee that their staff work in an adequate posture “ Emmanuel Lombard, director of Fellowes France. “”We must attack this problem today if we want to reduce pain and discomfort linked to bad postures at work“”
Young employees and telework, particularly affected
The survey also reveals that the 18-34 year olds are the most numerous to stop due to postural pain.
On average, 38 % of employees declare that they have taken 14 days off in one year due to ailments linked to their working position. Figures that weigh heavily on absenteeism and productivity.
The phenomenon worsens with telework, where ergonomics is often overlooked.
“”24 % of hybrid employees work on any available space and 16 % settle in the sofa “ according to the study. Result: 53 % of home workers cite back pain as their main discomfort.
A glaring lack of equipment and risk assessment
Beyond the observation, the feeling of abandonment predominates. Only one in five employees believes that his company respects fundamental occupational health rights. And only 23 % say that their position has never been the subject of a risk assessment.
However, 44 % of respondents who benefited from ergonomic equipment say they are better installed. 31 % note a decrease in their pain, and almost a quarter claim to have gained efficiency.
“Thanks to the careful assessment of the risks linked to the workstation, French companies will know exactly what material is best suited to each of their employees. The one that will allow them to adopt the right posture, which will soothe their pain and who will make them feel comfortable at work and will be more productive” concludes Emmanuel Lombard.