The Gender Pain Gap in Desk-Based Work: Evidence from Digital Musculoskeletal Assessments

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain in desk-based workers shows persistent gender disparities, yet their workplace implications remain underexplored. This study analysed 2025 desk assessment data from around 20,000 of employees to characterise gender differences in MSK pain prevalence, severity, anatomical distribution, and workplace impact. Women reported 37% higher average pain than men (2.66 vs 1.93/10) and higher pain prevalence (59% vs 46%), with differences statistically significant and consistent across 2024-2025. The gender gap was most pronounced in upper-body regions heavily loaded by desk work: neck (40.4% vs 31.8%), right shoulder (22.2% vs 13.9%), left shoulder (18.0% vs 11.2%), and mid-back (22.1% vs 18.5%). Pain varied significantly by female life stage, peaking during menstruation (mean 5.59/10 when combined with abdominal pain). Interestingly, women showed slightly higher equipment setup scores than men (61.6 vs 60.3), suggesting the gap emerges from equipment fit and postural demands rather than equipment access alone. At matched pain levels, work impact was broadly comparable between genders, though women showed higher healthcare-seeking at low pain levels and greater concentration problems at extreme pain. These findings suggest workplace MSK strategies require gender-aware approaches addressing body size accommodation, static posture reduction, and menstrual-aware work practices alongside traditional ergonomic interventions.