Musculoskeletal (MSK) health affects how we move, work and feel every day. Aches, stiffness and pain can impact focus, productivity and overall wellbeing. And multinationals also face the cost challenge, as MSK issues are the top cost-driver seen in MAXIS medical claims data almost every year.1
The good news? Many MSK issues can be prevented or managed with simple, proactive habits. Healthy muscles, bones and joints help us power through daily tasks, protect against long-term conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis and support independence as we age. They also contribute to better heart health, energy levels and mental wellbeing.
Here are five practical tips to help protect MSK health in your workforce based on insights from our wellness partner, SimpleTherapy.2
1. Support regular movement
Encourage employees to stay active with walking, stretching or low-impact exercise. Regular movement helps maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and support overall mobility. This is particularly important as your employees get older.
Want to share practical advice with your employees? Download SimpleTherapy’s flyer on how to exercise safely and effectively at any stage of life
Practical tips for exercising as you age
2. Promote healthy eating
Promote a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein and other nutrients that support your people’s bone and muscle health. Good nutrition is a key part of preventing MSK issues and supporting recovery. You could consider what food you provide at the workplace and ensure healthy options are available.
3. Encourage hydration
It may surprise you, but hydration is key to MSK health. Water cushions the joints and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Encourage regular hydration as part of your workplace wellness messaging.
4. Get your people to prioritise rest and recovery
Quality sleep is when the body repairs and recovers. Healthy sleep habits can help employees manage pain, reduce inflammation and improve overall resilience. Consider your policies on out of hours working and promote any sleep support services offered in your employee benefits or employee assistance programme (EAP).
5. Share the importance of warming up and cooling down
Taking just a few minutes before and after exercise to warm up and cool down can make a big difference. Dynamic movements like lunges or jumps before activity help boost blood flow and reduce injury risk, while light stretching afterwards supports recovery and mobility.
Download and share these simple warm-up and cool-down steps from SimpleTherapy that can help protect muscles and joints and prevent injuries.
Simple steps to protect your muscles and joints
By encouraging these simple habits, you can help your teams stay stronger for longer, improving mobility and supporting overall wellbeing.
Want to learn more? Discover how SimpleTherapy can support your employees with personalised MSK care here. 3
This article has been prepared by MAXIS GBN S.A.S and is for informational purposes only – it does not constitute advice. MAXIS GBN S.A.S has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this document has been obtained from reliable sources but cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness. The information contained in this document may be subject to change at any time without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk. This document is strictly private and confidential, and should not be copied, distributed or reproduced in whole or in part, or passed to any third party.
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[1] Anon. MAXIS GBN (2024). How do industry, culture and gender affect employee heath insights? https://maxis-gbn.com/knowledge-centre/whitepapers/how-doindustry-culture-and-gender-affect-employee-health-insights-from/ (sourced October 2025)
[2] SIMPLETHERAPY, INC. incorporated and registered in DELAWARE, USA whose registered office is at 1080 W Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711
[3] MAXIS GBN may receive fees, commissions and/or other remuneration from third parties in connection with the services we carry out for you.