Where Does Musculoskeletal (MSK) Care Fit Into Your Global Benefits Strategy?

Why MSK Health Matters in a Global Workforce

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions like back pain, joint issues, and repetitive strain injuries are among the top reasons employees miss work, and they don’t just affect older workers. Across industries and age groups, poor posture, physical strain, and lack of movement are contributing to chronic pain and mobility issues.

In fact, MSK disorders are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. For global employers, that means higher healthcare costs, more frequent absenteeism, and lower overall productivity. But with the right approach, MSK care can be not just a medical benefit, but a strategic advantage.

Understanding the Scope and Cost of MSK Issues

Research from the World Health Organization and national health systems shows that MSK conditions account for a large share of health claims and long-term disability. These issues often develop gradually and can persist for years if left untreated.

In global workforces, the impact is especially noticeable. Employees who work at desks for long hours, travel frequently, or perform repetitive tasks are all at higher risk. Without support, these issues can lead to burnout, disengagement, and rising medical expenses.

By making MSK care part of your benefits strategy, reducing avoidable costs while simultaneously helping employees feel better, stay active, and keep performing at their best.

Prevention Is Key: Ergonomics, Movement, and Early Support

MSK care isn’t just about treating injuries after they happen. The most effective strategies focus on prevention and early intervention.

That starts with ergonomics. Whether an employee is working in an office, at home, or on the go, providing guidance and tools for proper posture, movement, and workspace setup can prevent issues from developing in the first place.

Encouraging regular movement, such as stretching, standing breaks, or quick mobility exercises, can also make a big difference. Some companies provide virtual coaching or app-based programs that prompt employees to check in with their posture or complete daily stretches.

When discomfort does start, offering access to early MSK care can prevent small problems from becoming major ones. That could include physical therapy, virtual MSK support, or even training in safe lifting techniques and proper body mechanics.

The Role of SitSense

For global teams spending long hours at their desks, posture problems and sedentary strain are some of the most common triggers for musculoskeletal issues. That’s where SitSense comes in.

SitSense helps employees improve posture and reduce discomfort without the need for wearables or in-person assessments. Using AI-powered posture detection, SitSense provides real-time feedback, personalized posture scores, and goals for users to work towards.

This kind of support helps prevent issues before they turn into chronic pain or costly medical claims. Employees gain better awareness of their posture, stay more active at their desks, and build healthier work habits over time.

For HR and benefits leaders, SitSense also offers scalable implementation across regions, detailed usage analytics, and a consistent experience for remote and in-office workers alike. It's a practical, tech-forward solution that fits easily into broader wellness strategies, especially in hybrid or global environments where consistency and accessibility are key.

By embedding SitSense into your wellness toolkit, you're giving employees the tools to feel better, stay focused, and avoid long-term strain.

Putting It All Together

Musculoskeletal care may seem like a niche concern, but its impact is wide-reaching. It affects how people feel, how they work, and how well your benefits strategy performs overall.

Whether through ergonomic improvements, online solutions, or early intervention services, integrating MSK care into your global benefits plan is a powerful way to protect your people and your bottom line.