ISPA to Back Pain, Physical Complaints Often Experienced by Indonesian Employees

Illustration of workers' complaints in Indonesia. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Most professions certainly have health risks that can cause complaints for workers. From flu, stress, digestive disorders to back pain, it feels almost felt by many workers today.

Although it seems mild, various health disorders reflect the increasingly dense modern work patterns and the rhythm of life that makes the body easily exhausted. No wonder, if it is not immediately addressed seriously, life satisfaction and productivity will also be affected.

According to the latest report of the Indonesia Health Benefits Study (IHBS) 2025 from Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB), there are a number of health complaints that can provide an overview of the current health conditions of Indonesian employees.

More than 500,000 health benefit participants were also reviewed, the most common complaints were upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), digestive disorders, and back pain, problems that often arise in high mobility work environments and too long sitting durations.

In addition to burdening productivity, these diseases are also the largest contributor to health costs, both for outpatient and inpatient treatment. Not a few companies realize that the approach to employee health needs to be updated, not only focusing on treatment when sick, but also on prevention efforts.

"The pattern of disease in Indonesian workers that we surveyed showed different results. If globally the highest complaints come from chronic diseases, but some diseases such as ISPA, to back pain are quite high in Indonesia,"

"In this case, companies need to develop programs that are not only curative, but also preventive. Starting from health education, light sports facilities, to stress management programs at work," explained Astrid Suryapranata, Country Leader Mercer Marsh Benefits Indonesia in her presentation in Jakarta, recently.

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Especially for stress issues, the IHBS report also notes that more than a third of employees experience stress almost every day. High work pressure, multitasking, and a series of crowded meetings make it difficult for many people to find a break.

When this habit is left unchecked, stress not only affects mental conditions, but also increases the risk of physical disorders such as headaches, sleep disorders, and even aggravates digestive diseases.

As a first step, most companies have provided annual Medical Check Up (MCU) services, with an adoption rate of 86%. This examination helps find risks such as hypertension, diabetes, or metabolic disorders before symptoms appear.

The challenge, according to Bella Friscintia, Head of Analytica Solution MMB Indonesia, is how the results of the MCU are really used by employees as a reference to improve daily habits.

As physical and emotional complaints increase, access to professional counseling is an increasingly common service provided by companies. This emotional support program is aimed at helping employees manage stress before it develops into burnout or performance decline.

At the same time, the need for practical health services encourages the use of telemedicine. IHBS 2025 notes that remote medical consultations are now the main choice for employees who find it difficult to make time for the clinic. In addition to being more efficient, telemedicine allows minor complaints to be handled faster so as not to interfere with work.

MMB emphasized that maintaining employee health is a shared responsibility. Companies can provide facilities and support, but daily habits remain the main foundation. Starting from getting enough sleep, eating regularly, paying attention to work posture, to utilizing services such as MCU and telemedicine.

"The IHBS 2025 report reminds us that a combination of prevention, early detection, emotional support, and lifestyle changes is the key to employees being able to work comfortably and stay healthy throughout the year," concluded Bella.