John Lewis extends physio service to all staff

The John Lewis Partnership has extended its physiotherapy service to all 84,500 John Lewis and Waitrose employees.

The retail organisation previously offered the service, which is provided by Physio Med, to its Waitrose employees, but has now extended it across the partnership.

It was keen to reduce the incidence, duration and recurrence of musculoskeletal injuries and associated sickness absence.

The service, Physiotherapy Advice Line (PAL) provides access to advice and treatment.

Employees that report an injury via the John Lewis Partnership Health Hub receive a triage call from Physio Med within four hours, followed by an initial assessment call in the next three working days to decide if they require face-to-face treatment or can self-manage their condition through the PAL service with the aid of personalised treatment plans, exercises and advice.

Employees who require face-to-face treatment can access an onsite physiotherapy service or be referred to one of 780 hand-picked practices across the Physio Med network.

Phil Clayton, managing director at Physio Med, said: “We have worked with Waitrose since 2006 and are delighted to have the opportunity to extend our services out across the entire John Lewis Partnership.

“As an employer, ensuring the health and wellbeing of its employees is of the utmost importance to the John Lewis Partnership.

“Physio Med is working hard to help employees to recover from, and avoid future episodes of, musculoskeletal injuries and, in turn, help the organisation to reduce the incidences and costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism.”