Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders — conditions affecting muscles, joints, and bones — are a significant drain on businesses. In fact, MSK conditions account for nearly 15% of employers’ total medical costs. But the financial impact extends far beyond medical claims. 

Absenteeism, presenteeism, and workers' compensation all contribute to a costly problem that affects productivity and profitability. In this post, we break down the hidden costs of MSK disorders in the workplace and why employers should take action.

The cost of absenteeism

Workplace absenteeism happens when employees frequently miss work because of injury or other health-related issues. For employees suffering from MSK disorders, pain, mobility limitations, or medical appointments can keep them away from work. In fact, 20% of workers with low back pain miss more than a month of work each year, and 10% miss more than three months.

The cost of unplanned absenteeism is estimated to cost employers an average of $4,080 per full-time employee and $2,040 per part-time worker. These costs come from paying wages to absent employees, overtime for those covering shifts, and expenses related to hiring and training temporary or replacement staff.

Beyond the financial impact, chronic absenteeism takes a toll on workplace morale and productivity. Frequent absences can delay projects, lower work quality, and increase stress for teammates who have to pick up the slack. This added burden can lead to burnout, making it even harder to maintain a healthy, engaged workforce.

The impact of presenteeism

Presenteeism — when employees come to work but aren’t able to perform at their best due to illness, exhaustion, or burnout — is another common consequence of MSK injuries. 

While employees experiencing pain may physically be at work, their discomfort can limit their ability to focus, slow their productivity and require frequent breaks, shift tasks to minimize discomfort, and might increase their risk of further injury.

Though it’s harder to measure than absenteeism, the cost of presenteeism to organizations is estimated to be almost 10 times higher than that of absenteeism due to lost productivity (that employers couldn’t plan ahead for), increased errors, and lower morale.

Workers’ compensation costs

MSK disorders are a major driver of workers’ compensation claims. In fact, they’re responsible for nearly a third of all work-related injuries and average more than $20,000 per claim. 

These costs include medical expenses, wage replacement, and legal fees. Plus, long-term disability claims often stem from unresolved MSK issues, increasing an employer's financial liability even more.

What employers can do

The good news is that employers can take proactive steps to reduce the costs of MSK disorders. While programs like physical therapy and chiropractic care help address existing issues, they often require significant lifestyle changes, leading to inconsistent adoption.

Prevention, however, delivers even greater returns. Clinicians have trusted custom insoles for over 75 years because proper foot support improves overall body alignment. Unlike other interventions, insoles provide these benefits effortlessly: employees simply insert them into their shoes and go about their day.

Despite their effectiveness, clinical-grade insoles have traditionally been expensive and difficult to access. Patients often need 3–4 doctor visits for a custom fit, with costs reaching up to $850 per pair.

Hike Medical removes these barriers, making custom orthotics affordable and accessible — so that employers can address the root cause of MSK issues and their costly ripple effects.

Conclusion

MSK disorders are more than just a health issue; they are a business challenge with far-reaching financial consequences. Absenteeism, presenteeism, and workers’ compensation claims all contribute to the economic burden of untreated MSK conditions. Employers who take proactive steps to address these issues not only improve employee health, but will also protect their bottom line.