NG LifeMag EMAG December 2023 - Flipbook - Page 45
Dealing with persistent
discomfort and health challenges
can signi昀椀cantly impact our
produc琀椀vity, wellbeing, and
overall quality of life.
One added challenge is the invisibility of
chronic pain or illness to others. Unlike acute
pain, which might have visible symptoms
like swelling or limping, chronic pain doesn't
necessarily manifest externally. This can pose
signi昀椀cant challenges in a workplace se琀�ng,
as colleagues and supervisors might not fully
comprehend the extent of an individual's
struggles. Employees dealing with chronic
pain might appear 昀椀ne on the surface, leading
to misconcep琀椀ons that they are not truly
experiencing discomfort.
There are signi昀椀cant barriers to dealing with
chronic pain at work. These can include:
1. REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY
Chronic pain or illness can hinder an employee's
ability to focus and sustain a琀琀en琀椀on on tasks,
leading to reduced produc琀椀vity and e昀케ciency.
2. ABSENTEEISM AND PRESENTEEISM
Individuals with chronic pain or illness may take
more sick leave or, in some cases, resort to
presenteeism, where they a琀琀end work despite
being unwell, which can further impact their
performance and health.
3. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRAIN
Coping with persistent pain or illness can lead
to increased stress, anxiety, and depression,
a昀昀ec琀椀ng an employee's mental wellbeing and
ability to cope with workplace challenges.
4. STIGMA AND MISUNDERSTANDING
Employees with chronic pain or illness may face
s琀椀gma or lack of understanding from colleagues
and management, which can contribute to
feelings of isola琀椀on and reduce their sense of
belonging.