Preventing the effects of physically demanding work - Tips for sustainable employability

Physically demanding work and sustainable employability: why investing now pays off

Workloads are increasing, the workforce is aging - and physically demanding work remains the order of the day in many sectors. Time to take seriously the impact of this on employee health and employability.

In industries such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing, people work under strenuous physical conditions every day. They lift heavy materials, stand for long periods in uncomfortable positions and make many repetitive movements. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), in 2022 as many as 38% of all workers regularly had to deal with physically demanding work. Source: CBS - Labor market in figures

The impact of these conditions on health is significant. Especially now that some 20% of the Dutch population is 65 or older (CBS, 2023), it is becoming increasingly important to take sustainable employability seriously - not only to prevent absenteeism, but also to retain staff in a tight labor market.

The effects of physical overload

Long-term physical strain can lead to a variety of complaints: from muscle and joint pain to chronic conditions such as back pain, tendinitis and osteoarthritis. Causes include repetitive movements, improper lifting techniques and prolonged work in an incorrect posture. Without appropriate measures, this can lead to overwork, absenteeism or even early retirement from the workforce.

The combination of physical strain and an aging workforce further increases the risk. Older employees recover more slowly and are more susceptible to chronic complaints. For organizations, this means an increased risk of absenteeism, lower productivity and challenges in workforce planning.

Solutions: this is how to strengthen physical resilience

To keep employees healthy and employable, strengthening their physical capacity is essential. Here are some effective measures:

1. Ergonomic workstations
   • Invest in ergonomic workstations and aids such as lifting assistance systems.
   • Offer training in safe techniques and healthy working postures.
2. Moments of rest and recovery
   • Plan enough breaks to allow the body to recover.
   • Encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.
3. Variety and job rotation
   • Alternate between heavy and lighter tasks throughout the workday to distribute the load evenly.
   • Work with rotation schedules to reduce repetitive strain.
4. Flexible working hours
   • Align working hours with the personal needs of employees.
   • Provide space for customized schedules or a gradual build-up during recovery.
5. Regular health checks
   • Conduct regular health checks to detect early warning signs.
   • This allows problems such as obesity, muscle complaints, or cardiovascular disease to be detected and addressed at an early stage.

Why invest in sustainable employability?

1. Less absenteeism and better health

Targeted preventive measures, ergonomics and health checks reduce complaints and absenteeism. The result: a healthy, vital workplace.

2. Higher productivity

Healthy employees are more efficient, more resilient and better able to handle physically challenging tasks. With the right support, they keep up the work longer.

3. Staff retention and reduced turnover

Attention to health and employability increases job satisfaction and loyalty. This lowers turnover and saves on recruitment and training.

4. Stronger long-term results

A vital organization performs better. Sustainable employability contributes to continuity, motivation and commitment - essential for future-proof business.

Getting started with sustainable employability

Sustainable employability is not a luxury, but a necessity. Especially in sectors where physical strain is a daily reality. Fortunately, there are practical and feasible solutions that you can use to make a difference today.

Would you like to know how Simple Check can help your organization strengthen physical resilience and sustainable employability? Feel free to contact us—we are happy to help you find the right solution.