Employee wellness is more than just gym memberships and health insurance. While organizations invest heavily in traditional benefits, they often overlook a critical factor that influences daily employee performance: foot health.
Foot pain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can significantly impact productivity, morale, and even absenteeism – and has major implications for overall musculoskeletal (MSK) health and spending. Fortunately, there's a simple, cost-effective way to support employees – literally – by addressing their comfort from the ground up.
Why foot health matters in the workplace
Many employees — especially those in physically demanding industries like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality — experience foot pain on a daily basis. Prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, and wearing unsupportive shoes contribute to discomfort that doesn’t just stay localized to the feet. Over time, foot pain can lead to knee, hip, and back issues, affecting overall mobility and energy levels.
When employees are uncomfortable or in pain, it becomes harder for them to focus on their work. They may take more frequent breaks, shift weight from foot to foot, or even develop chronic issues that require medical attention. Investing in solutions that alleviate foot discomfort can have a direct impact on workplace engagement, retention, and productivity.
Why standard work shoes aren’t enough
While many workplaces have dress codes or even require employees to wear safety shoes, these shoes are often designed with durability and compliance in mind rather than comfort and long-term support. Many employees are left with shoes that provide minimal cushioning, improper arch support, or a poor fit, leading to long-term discomfort and strain.
Even high-quality work shoes do not always provide the level of individualized support needed for different foot shapes, walking patterns, and pressure points. Over time, poorly supported feet can contribute to fatigue and musculoskeletal issues like knee or back pain. Without intervention, employees may find themselves dealing with discomfort that affects their efficiency and ability to perform at their best.
MSK issues affect 1 in 2 Americans and are the costliest condition for employers, amounting to $52 per member per month (PMPM). Ignoring foot health can lead to increased healthcare costs, higher absenteeism, and lost productivity, making it a financial issue in addition to being a health concern.
The role of insoles in employee health
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve foot comfort is through high-quality, clinical-grade orthotics and insoles. Custom insoles provide proper, tailored foot support that distributes pressure more evenly across the foot and aligns the entire body. These both alleviate strain and reduce the likelihood of chronic foot pain.
For employees who spend long hours on their feet, custom insoles can be a game changer. They enhance shock absorption, improve posture, and reduce fatigue, leading to better overall well-being. Comfortable employees are more likely to be engaged, focused, and productive, benefiting both the individual and the organization. Providing insoles as part of a core employee benefits package demonstrates a commitment to employee health and can make a noticeable difference in daily comfort.
Small investment; big impact
Offering insoles as an employee benefit is a cost-effective yet meaningful way to invest in wellness. Unlike major healthcare initiatives, which can require significant resources and time to implement, providing custom insoles is a simple solution that yields tangible benefits. Companies can provide custom insoles as a fully-covered benefit, on a voluntarily elected basis, or as a completely voluntary offering.
Solutions like Hike Medical make it easy to integrate this benefit with minimal effort for HR teams. Hike offers clinical-grade custom orthotics that employees and plan members can order from the comfort of their own homes. Not only do these insoles enhance comfort and signal that the company values its workforce’s well-being, but they’re also a proactive way employers can prevent and reduce MSK claims among their workforce.
Conclusion
Employee well-being isn’t just about major perks and healthcare benefits; it’s also about small, everyday improvements that make a tangible difference. Foot health plays a crucial role in workplace comfort, productivity, and long-term well-being, yet it is often overlooked.
By addressing foot pain through simple solutions like custom insoles, companies can foster a healthier, happier, and more engaged workforce while containing their MSK spend. Supporting employees from the ground up is a small step that can lead to big results in job satisfaction, retention, and overall workplace morale.
