Arthritis for Employees and Employers

Almost half of working age adults (18-64 years old) in Montana report having arthritis. 

Arthritis is the second largest driver of employee health care costs and is responsible for 172 million lost workdays and $304 billion in medical cost and lost earning each year. 

For those who are working and have arthritis, simple tasks such as typing on a keyboard, gripping a pen, holding the phone, or standing for a period can be painful. 

In Montana, 1 in 3 (37%) report that their arthritis affects their ability to work or do the type or amount of work they can complete. 

Support for Employees with Arthritis 

  • Arthritis@Work: State of Montana 
    • Living Well with Arthritis, find information on:
      • Managing pain at work
      • Tracking arthritis symptoms
      • Access to a variety of resources 
  • Osteoarthritis in the workplace 
    • OACareTool—Employees provides individuals with osteoarthritis with a toolkit on managing arthritis symptoms. 
  • MonTech: Equipment Loan 
    • Try out assistive devices and equipment for free before purchasing to help ease arthritis limitations.

Manage Your Symptoms 

Good control over your arthritis can reduce missed days at work. 

  • Keep arthritis symptoms under control. 
  • Take medication (if needed) on schedule. 
  • Communicate with your health care provider about symptoms you experience at work. 
 

Accommodations 

If you are having difficulty fulfilling work duties, despite managing your arthritis symptoms, it may be time to ask for workplace accommodations. 

  • MonTech: Equipment Loan 
    • Try out assistive devices and equipment for free before purchasing to help ease arthritis limitations. 

As many as 1 in 4 employees is living with arthritis. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability. This means that arthritis can make the simplest tasks at work challenging such as typing on a keyboard, gripping a pen, holding the phone, or standing for a period can be painful. 

Arthritis is the second largest driver of employee health care costs and is responsible for 172 million lost workdays and $304 billion in medical cost and lost earning annually. To help reduce this loss, as an employer you can help support your employees with arthritis. 

Support Employees with Arthritis 

  • Offer an arthritis approved evidence-based intervention, such as Walk with Ease. 
  • Walk with Ease can be offered in a group or self-directed format. 
    • Many worksites opt to offer the self-directed option. 
  • The Walk with Ease program has shown to have a high return on investment (ROI). 
    • Low overhead cost to offer the Walk with Ease. 
    • Significant health benefits—increase physical activity, reduce pain and fatigue levels.  
  • The Walk with Ease is open to anyone who would like to be part of a low-impact exercise program, not just employees with arthritis. 
  • Arthritis@Work 
    • The Arthritis@Work is a free, online, turkey program for any employers to incorporate into wellness program developed by the Arthritis Foundation.
    • To get started submit your organization information. 
    • Arthritis@Work Flyer
  • Osteoarthritis in the Workplace 
    • OACareTool--Employers
    • Arthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling from osteoarthritis can limited function, mobility, and quality of life. These symptoms affect your employees’ to effectively complete their work tasks. 
    • Expand your knowledge of osteoarthritis by implementing arthritis friendly benefit plans, workplace polices, and wellness and safety initiatives.
    • Access helpful resources, infographics, and videos.