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As the workforce ages, industries like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and construction, are seeing more workers in their 50s and beyond. As the average age of blue-collar workers continues to rise, companies must adapt their health and wellness strategies to address the changing musculoskeletal (MSK) needs of their employees. 

This blog explores how simple, preventative solutions, like custom insoles, can help companies support an aging workforce, reduce injuries, and keep employees working at their best for years to come. 

The demographic reality

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers aged 55 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, and this shows no signs of slowing down. In industries that demand physical labor, this shift means employers need to rethink how they support their employees’ health, especially when it comes to musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

Here’s a look at how this is affecting some key industries:

1. ‍Manufacturing workers are staying in their roles longer, with the median age in many factories now exceeding 45
2. The construction industry faces a significant aging trend, as 1 in 5 construction workers is 55 or older
3. Healthcare facilities are increasingly staffed by experienced professionals in their 50s and 60s

To keep these workers healthy and productive, employers must find ways to support their physical well-being and address the unique challenges of aging bodies.

The MSK impact of aging in physical jobs

As we age, our bodies go through changes than can be particularly challenging for workers in physically demanding roles:

1. Decreased flexibility and range of motion
2. Reduced muscle mass and strength
3. Changes in foot structure, including flattening of the arch
4. Thinning of the natural cushioning in the feet
5. Slower recovery and healing

For workers who stand or walk for extended periods, these changes often manifest first in the feet and ankles before progressing to knees, hips, and the lower back. What begins as foot discomfort can cascade into more serious MSK disorders that affect productivity and eventually lead to disability claims and early retirement.

A foundation for extended careers

When it comes to supporting an aging workforce, proactive solutions like better foot support can make a big difference. Hike Custom Insoles offer a simple way to help employees stay healthier and feel more comfortable on the job.

Biomechanical support

Custom insoles provide personalized support that adapts to the natural changes in foot shape and gait that occur with age and daily wear and tear. They help stabilize the foot, redistribute pressure more evenly, and promote proper alignment from the ground up. By correcting imbalances and reducing overcompensation in the knees, hips, and lower back, they can prevent the development of chronic pain and reduce the risk of injury over time.

Less fatigue

For older workers, staying energized is key. One of the main causes of foot fatigue is poor shock absorption. When you spend hours standing or walking, each step places repeated stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Without sufficient cushioning to absorb that impact, the strain builds over time, leaving your feet feeling sore and exhausted. Insoles provide enhanced support and distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing the workload and muscles and joints throughout the day. 

Fall prevention

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, often resulting in serious consequences, especially for older employees. Custom insoles enhance balance, stability, and proprioception—the body's sense of positioning—by providing a more secure and supportive foundation. By improving how the foot interacts with the ground, insoles help reduce slips, missteps, and instability, lowering the overall risk of falls and promoting safer movement throughout the workday.

Pain management

Rather than relying solely on pain medications, which can have side effects and impact alertness, custom insoles offer a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing the discomfort that can come with physically demanding jobs.

Insoles benefit a multi-generational workplace 

Today's workplace often spans several generations, each with different MSK needs and expectations. Offering custom insoles will benefit employees across this spectrum:

1. For younger workers, custom insoles establish preventative habits that can stop MSK issues before they start.
2. Older workers experience will benefit from pain reduction, reduced fatigue, and improved mobility
3. All generations benefit from the improved mood and engagement that comes with physical comfort (Did you know that adults with moderate foot pain are TWICE as likely to experience depressive symptoms?)

The business case for custom insoles

Investing in custom insoles isn’t just good for your employees—it’s good for business too. Here’s why:

1. ‍Longer careers: Fewer employees leaving means lower recruitment and training costs.
2. Knowledge retention: Experienced workers stay on the job longer, offering valuable mentorship.
3. Less absenteeism: Fewer missed days due to MSK problems.
4. Fewer workers' comp claims: Reducing injuries means fewer claims.
5. Lower healthcare costs: Less need for medical care related to MSK issues.
6. Employer reputation: Being known as an employer that cares about its workers’ well-being attracts top talent.

When you compare the cost of turnover, disability, and lost productivity, the investment in custom insoles pays off in a big way.

Conclusion

Custom orthotics, while effective, have traditionally been difficult to access: they’ve been expensive, required multiple clinical visits, and had long delivery times. Hike Medical has removed these obstacles to make custom insoles affordable and accessible.

As the workforce ages, employers who take proactive steps to support their workers’ musculoskeletal (MSK) health will gain an edge in hiring, retention, and boosting productivity. Offering Hike Custom Insoles shows that a company cares about its people and wants to invest in their long-term well-being — all while helping to improve the bottom line.

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