Mental and Physical Workload in Office Workers: Insights from a Recent Study

Office workers often juggle physical strain and mental pressure throughout the day, which can significantly impact performance and wellbeing. Prolonged sitting, high cognitive demands, and working through discomfort are all common experiences in modern workplaces. While musculoskeletal pain is already a leading cause of work-related ill health in the UK, less attention is often given to how mental workload also influences an employee’s ability to focus, make decisions, and work effectively.

Recent research (Arefian et al., 2025) has explored how these physical and mental demands affect office workers who are already experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms. The findings offer useful insights for HR, Health and Safety, and Wellbeing professionals who are supporting staff with pain, reduced productivity, or challenges with concentration.

Key Findings from the Study

The study examined office workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), exploring how both cognitive and physical demands affected their work performance. The main findings were:

Musculoskeletal issues are common: The lower back and neck were the most frequently affected areas over the past year, with knees and lower back most affected in the past month.
Mental workload impacts work: High cognitive demands and frustration reduced focus, decision-making, and attention span.
Physical workload matters: Poor workstation setup, prolonged sitting, and tasks requiring physical effort made work more challenging.
Both factors are important: Mental and physical workloads each contributed to reduced work performance.

Practical Takeaways for HR, H&S, and Wellbeing Teams

Assess both physical and mental workload: Evaluate how tasks and cognitive demands affect employees to guide targeted support and reduce work-related strain.
Improve workstation ergonomics: Improving workstation ergonomics, including a comprehensive DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment, ensures chairs, monitors, keyboards, and other equipment are correctly adjusted to reduce physical strain and support musculoskeletal health.
Support cognitive load management: Reduce unnecessary pressure, clarify expectations, and encourage regular breaks to maintain focus and productivity.
Take a holistic approach: Combining interventions for physical and mental wellbeing can help employees sustain performance and prevent worsening MSDs.
Monitor and review: Conduct DSE assessments, regular workstation checks and surveys to identify emerging issues early and adjust support as needed.

Conclusion

This study highlights that both mental and physical workloads influence office workers’ performance, particularly for those experiencing musculoskeletal pain. The key is to tackle both aspects together. By supporting employees with better ergonomics, reasonable cognitive demands, and practical workplace interventions, organisations can enhance wellbeing, maintain productivity, and reduce the risk of longer-term work-related health issues. Organisations are encouraged to review both mental and physical workloads and implement practical interventions to support employee wellbeing and productivity.

If you would like to discuss how your organisation can support employees’ mental and physical wellbeing, or explore DSE Assessor Training, DSE Assessments, wellbeing workshops, and wellbeing content, please get in touch with us.