World Arthritis Day

Learn how employers can use Bones and Joints Week to increase awareness of musculoskeletal health, including ways to prevent injuries and its impact on work.

The value of supporting World Arthritis Day in work

World Arthritis Day aims to increase knowledge of the existence and impact of arthritis globally.

Ignoring arthritis and other related musculoskeletal health conditions, in the workplace, can lead to higher absences and reduced performance.

A workplace that supports employees with arthritis and related conditions can:

• Create a culture of openness and understanding
• Strengthen workplace relationships and teamwork
• Ensure employees feel valued and supported
• Reduce absences and burnout
• Improve productivity and workplace morale

Celebrate World Arthritis Health Day at work

On the run up to and including World Arthritis Day, employers can:

Host arthritis awareness sessions

Organise a talk or workshop in your workplace to share advice on pain management or lifestyle changes that can reduce the impact of arthritis.

You can also use these sessions as an opportunity to encourage movement at work to help employees maintain joint mobility.

Share information and resources

You can use your internal communication channels to share information and resources about arthritis.

Promote the fact that arthritis can be managed at work and share information from trusted sources such as:

• Arthritis Action
• local arthritis support groups
• online forums

Versus Arthritis has information about joint health that you can share with employees.

Share employee stories

Encourage employees to share their experiences with arthritis as a way of starting open conversations in your workplace.

Having the opportunity to share experiences can help employees feel supported and create a culture of understanding in your workplace.

Supporting employees with arthritis throughout the year

As an employer, there are things you can do throughout the year to support employees with arthritis. Here are some suggestions:

Learn more about arthritis

Increasing your awareness and knowledge of arthritis can help you support employees with the condition.

You can learn about arthritis on the NHS 111 Wales website.

Find out more about musculoskeletal health in the workplace.

Train line managers

Ensure that managers are trained on how to have empathic and confidential discussions about health conditions such as arthritis.

Find out more about health conditions, impairments and disabilities.

Promote support services

Promote the In Work Support Service in your workplace. The service offers support to employees who have musculoskeletal conditions.

Get Involved

Find out how your workplace can take part in World Arthritis Day and get resources on the Arthritis Action website.

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