Workplace pain is often seen as a minor issue—something that can be ignored or dealt with later. However, ignoring or delaying treatment for workplace pain can have significant financial consequences for employers, employees, and the overall business. Addressing pain early through physical therapy (PT) can save your organization thousands of dollars in lost productivity, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation claims.
Let’s break down how the hidden costs of ignoring workplace pain can add up, and why investing in early assessments and intervention can make a major difference for both your bottom line and employee well-being.
1. Lost Productivity
When employees experience pain, they are less efficient, less focused, and often less engaged in their work. Over time, this can result in a substantial loss in productivity, whether through slower work, errors, or the need for more frequent breaks.
The Cost:
- Studies show that musculoskeletal disorders alone cost businesses over $20 billion annually in lost productivity.
- For example, an employee with back pain who spends just 15 minutes a day stretching or taking breaks may end up losing an average of $3,000–$5,000 per year in productivity, based on their salary and time spent away from work.
2. Increased Medical Costs
When workplace pain is ignored, employees often seek more expensive treatments down the line, such as imaging, medication, or even surgery. These escalating medical costs could have been avoided with early intervention.
The Cost:
- Early intervention with physical therapy can significantly reduce the need for more expensive treatments. For instance, studies have shown that PT can reduce surgery rates by up to 50%, leading to savings of $3,000–$8,000 per employee.
- On average, for every $1 spent on physical therapy, employers save $2–$3 in healthcare costs.
3. Workers’ Compensation Claims
If workplace pain becomes chronic or leads to injury, the likelihood of a workers’ compensation claim increases. These claims not only cost the business in terms of direct payouts but also in terms of legal fees, administrative costs, and higher insurance premiums.
The Cost:
- The average workers’ compensation claim can cost employers around $50,000–$100,000 depending on the severity of the injury.
- Prevention and early intervention can reduce workers’ comp claims by up to 50%, helping save tens of thousands of dollars annually.
- Physical therapy has been shown to reduce workers’ comp claims by as much as 30%, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce workplace injury-related expenses.
4. Employee Absenteeism and Turnover
Employees who experience pain that isn’t addressed are more likely to take sick days, call in “injured,” or even leave the company altogether. This leads to lost talent, increased turnover, and the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees.
The Cost:
- Absenteeism alone costs employers $1,685 per employee per year on average.
- The cost of replacing an employee can range from 33% to 50% of their annual salary. By addressing pain early, employers can avoid much of these hidden costs.
The Solution: Early PT Assessments
By incorporating physical therapy assessments into your injury prevention and wellness programs, you can proactively address pain before it leads to more serious issues. A physical therapist can assess employees at risk of injury, suggest modifications to reduce strain, and implement targeted exercises to prevent pain from becoming chronic.
The Benefits:
- Reduced healthcare and workers’ compensation costs—Studies have shown that early PT intervention reduces healthcare costs by up to 60% and workers’ compensation claims by 30%.
- Increased employee productivity and satisfaction—Employees who receive early care for pain are more engaged, satisfied with their work environment, and less likely to take time off.
- Improved long-term health outcomes—By addressing pain early, employees are less likely to develop chronic issues, leading to long-term savings for the organization.
Conclusion: The Financial Advantage of Addressing Pain Early
Ignoring workplace pain is not just a health risk—it’s a financial risk. By investing in early assessments and physical therapy, you can significantly reduce the hidden costs of medical treatment, absenteeism, and workers’ compensation claims.
Want to save money while improving the well-being of your employees?
Contact us today to schedule a workplace pain assessment and find out how physical therapy can benefit your organization.