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Media Releases
Making Workplace "Arthritis-Friendly" Can Improve Productivity
Columbia, Mo. (May. 23, 2006) With many aging baby boomers continuing to remain on the job, the number of people in the workplace at risk for arthritis - especially osteoarthritis (OA) - is growing. As the most common form of arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage in the joint is worn away causing the bones to grind against each other. OA largely affects people as they age. Considering the fact that one in three Americans is affected by arthritis, it's probably time to make your workplace "arthritis-friendly."
Although arthritis may cause an employee pain, fatigue and limited function that make it difficult to perform tasks, that employee may be reluctant to mention their condition to an employer. Therefore the employer that takes the initiative to make the office more arthritis-friendly will make the workplace more comfortable and have a positive impact on employee productivity.
Kathy Donovan Hanson, senior researcher at the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center says there are simple and unobtrusive job accommodations and adjustments that employers can implement for employees with arthritis or related conditions.
Adjust for temperature. Low room temperature or sitting close to air conditioning vents can cause stiffness and soreness. To make sure the employee stays warm, redirect vents; keep workstations away from ceiling fans; provide separate temperature control or have space heaters available in certain seasons.
Keep meetings short. For many with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it's important to get up and move around at least once an hour to prevent pain and stiffness. If a long meeting is inevitable, divide it into short sessions. You may also announce that anyone should feel free to stand up and walk around during the meeting.
Allow a flexible work schedule. With arthritis flare-ups, the employee's needs may vary from day to day. It's best if employees have more control of the workflow to their desk, so that they can make adjustments according to the fluctuation of their conditions. Allowing them flexible use of leave time and letting them share a position with somebody else are both good options for greater flexibility.
Shorten travel distance. Moving from place to place poses problems for people with knee and hip problems. You may need to reconsider the location of the workstation assigned to employees. Make sure it's a stone's throw away from most of the places the employee frequents, such as restroom, break room, elevator and parking lot.
Provide ergonomic office ware. There is a wide spectrum of assistive technologies designed for needs derived from different arthritic conditions. Implemented appropriately, these equipments can maximize the productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort.
For hands and fingers - Writing can be hard for a hand that is stiff and swollen with painful joints so shop for fat, easy-to-grasp pens or grip aids while purchasing office supplies. A page-turner, a book holder and a telephone with larger buttons are other simple tools to assist those having arthritis in the hands or fingers.
For wrists and arms - Adjustable wrist and forearm support equipment can be attached to the desk to minimize the strain. Foam pads and height-adjustable tables also reduce stress and fatigue.
For back and lower body - A footstool and a swivel cushion make sitting and turning in a seat a lot easier.
Make assistive computer devices available. Working long hours on a computer can be a challenge for persons with limited hand function. Speech recognition software can be obtained to free the employee from typing and using the mouse. A trackball can substitute for a traditional mouse, too. Designed like an upside down mouse with a movable ball on the top, trackballs can be easily operated by the palm or side of the hand so there is no stress put on the thumb or fingers.
Kathy Donovan Hanson is recruiting volunteers to participate an online self-management program (RAhelp.org) for adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This MARRTC research project aims to help people better cope with RA and improve their quality of life. Eligible participants should be 18 or over, and can turn on a computer. If you are interested in participating the study, please click www.marrtc.org/recruitment/index.html or visit www.RAhelp.org for more information.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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