New research calls for businesses to initiate wellness programmes in the workplace.

Southern Cross Health Society's Vicki Caisley says employers need to be aware of the problems workers might be facing.

"Fifteen percent of Kiwis are suffering from neck pain, but only a quarter of those people are receiving treatment for it."

The annual survey on behalf of Southern Cross highlights the need for early treatment of aches and pains, to stop workers from becoming less productive in the long term.

"Having people in discomfort while they're sitting at their desk and doing their job is just a distraction for them, and I think it's something that employers should care about."

Ms Caisley says early treatment will stop workers from becoming less productive.