Arthritis and other conditions costing $7.4 billion a year

La Trobe University has highlighted a big issue for Australian workplaces - employees suffering from arthritis and other musculoskeletal health conditions - costing about $7.4 billion a year in lost workplace productivity.

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The La Trobe project, in collaboration with Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria (AOV), reveals widespread employer ignorance about these conditions and ways to best manage affected staff.

“Our research showed most employers don't realise that nearly 60% of people with the condition are in their prime working years - aged 25-64,” said Dr Jodi Oakman, the project’s lead author.

“Many are scared of revealing their condition to a future boss precisely because of this.”

Oakman said appropriate workplace modifications and support can ensure people with musculoskeletal issues can be maximally productive.

“Workplaces need to get better at helping bosses link in with organisations like AOV for advice and education,” she said.

“Flexibility with hours is also crucial to help workers be maximally productive.”

The report shows that our ageing population and the need to work for longer will only further exacerbate the issue.

“It is of benefit to all of society to keep people at work. Reform needs to happen urgently - our economy depends on it,” Oakman added.

According to the report, the approximate breakdown of the economic cost from lost productivity includes: reduced employment rate ($6 billion); lost superannuation ($500 million); presenteeism ($400 million); absenteeism ($300 million); and premature death ($100 million).

View the full report: Working with pain: What can workplaces do to support employees with persistent musculoskeletal pain to maintain productive employment.