Memphis, TN – Sedgwick recently announced the release of a new commentary paper on “Long COVID” cases in the workforce that covers its symptoms and prevalence, what employers can do to prepare for the ongoing impact and trends to watch for in the months ahead, along with data and insights from a variety of experts.
Long COVID is an umbrella term for cases in which people experience symptoms related to COVID-19 long after the standard expected recovery period. According to the World Health Organization definition, symptoms “generally have an impact on everyday functioning” and may come and go over time.
Research findings on the prevalence of long COVID vary greatly. Some estimate that fewer than 10% of those who had COVID experience long-term symptoms, while others have found it to be as many as half of research participants. Even a 10% rate of occurrence is quite significant. With the WHO reporting more than 464 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world, 10% of people experiencing the virus’s long-term effects means that over 46 million people are impacted by post-COVID conditions — and many of them with debilitating symptoms.
Impact of long COVID on the workforce
While most employees who contract COVID can return to work at full capacity within a week or two, those experiencing long-haul symptoms may have functional impairments that significantly affect productivity.
The extreme fatigue associated with long COVID can leave workers with little stamina to meet job demands. “Brain fog” can impede reaction time, memory and the ability to assimilate new information; performing simple tasks and finding the right words to communicate may become difficult. In addition, previously healthy individuals carrying the mental burden of their long-haul symptoms — and suddenly having difficulty focusing, concentrating and thinking at work — may experience anxiety, stress, depression and even trauma as a result of not being able to perform as they once did. Further compounding these cognitive and emotional challenges is the fact that symptoms can come and go, so employees often can’t predict how they will feel or perform at any given time.
The effects of long COVID on physical well-being are also significant. Those away from work for extended periods due to illness or quarantine may experience deconditioning, which can not only reduce productivity but also increase safety risks. The cardiac, pulmonary and gastrointestinal issues associated with long COVID may make it difficult to function at full capacity and can lead to an increase in employee absences.
Read the full paper: Sedgwick: COVID-19: In it for the long haul (PDF)
Source: Sedgwick
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