The hidden cost of doing nothing: back pain and its impact on business

Written by: Liz Wullems-Griffioen, CMO Healactively

Every year, Switzerland faces a staggering toll from absenteeism: 10 million sick days. Among the leading culprits? Back pain. Despite its commonality, many organizations underestimate the true cost it brings to their bottom line. If you’re a CFO or CEO, it’s time to confront the financial implications of ignoring back wellness in your workforce.

The data speaks loudly

• 25% of absenteeism in Switzerland is due to back pain. This makes it one of the most prevalent causes of sick leave.
• CHF 5,000 per back-pained employee per year. This figure encompasses costs related to absenteeism, lost productivity, hiring, and increased insurance premiums.
• 46% of employees are affected by back pain. For a company with 1,000 employees, this equates to nearly half of your workforce being affected, costing your business CHF 2.3 million annually.

Why current approaches fall short

Many companies already invest in wellness initiatives such as ergonomic equipment, yoga classes, or general fitness programs. While these efforts are commendable, they often fail to address the root causes of back pain, such as past injuries, sedentary lifestyles, and aging. Additionally, many of these programs are one-size-fits-all solutions, which do not account for the unique needs of each employee.

Mental health apps and generic prevention programs often miss the mark when it comes to specialized back pain management. Without a targeted approach, the problem persists, leading to recurring costs and decreased employee well-being.

The domino effect on business performance

Back pain doesn’t just lead to absenteeism; it also contributes to presenteeism—employees showing up to work but operating below their full capacity. The result? Lower productivity, decreased morale, and higher turnover rates. Ignoring the problem exacerbates its impact, turning what might seem like a minor issue into a significant financial drain.

A paradigm shift: the ROI of back wellness

To combat this pervasive issue, companies need to move from reactive to proactive strategies. Investing in preventative measures and personalized solutions for back pain can:

1. Reduce absenteeism: Fewer sick days mean improved workforce availability.
2. Boost productivity: Healthy employees perform better.
3. Lower healthcare costs: Prevention and wellness initiatives can mitigate rising insurance premiums.
4. Improve employee satisfaction: A focus on wellness fosters loyalty and morale.

The Healactively Solution

Healactively offers a science-driven, personalized back wellness platform that is powered by AI. Here’s how it can transform your workplace:

• Employee benefits: Achieve sustainable back relief in under 10 minutes a day with a gamified wellness coach. Employees track their progress, build healthy habits for life, and experience improved quality of life.
• Company benefits: Reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, decrease insurance costs, and improve employee engagement. With measurable ROI ranging from 7x to 15x, Healactively delivers value you can track and celebrate.
• Customization: Tailored to each employee’s unique goals, symptoms, and fitness levels, the program adapts in real-time to ensure effectiveness.

Let’s discuss how Healactively can help your company reduce absenteeism and its related costs.