Reduced productivity after sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders and its relation to health outcomes

Reduced productivity was common among workers returning to full duty after sickness absence due to a musculoskeletal disorder and the effect of health parameters such as perceived pain, functional disability, and general health on reduced productivity illustrates the importance of the timing of return to work.

Abstract

Reduced productivity was common among workers returning to full duty after sickness absence due to a musculoskeletal disorder. Productivity loss illustrates the importance of the timing of return to work, especially among workers with residual functional disability after return to work. Moreover, the supervisor should be engaged early in the return-to-work process to guarantee an early, sustainable, and productive return to work for the employee.