How do we minimise the impact of Covid-19 and Long Covid in the workplace? An upcoming symposium brings together Covid researchers and government agencies to present to the public and canvass solutions for promoting safe, sustainable and supportive workplaces in a Covid world.
More than two million reported cases (likely to be an under-estimate) of Covid-19, a quarter of which are now re-infections, has imposed a serious burden on the workforce and employers.
This burden is anticipated to continue into the foreseeable future due to the prolonged incapacity sometimes associated with Covid-19 infections. The severity and length of symptoms vary widely - from no symptoms to hospitalisation and death, from little time off work to permanent incapacity.
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A collaborative of Covid-19 and Long Covid university researchers, clinicians, and the Long Covid Support Group Aotearoa are hosting an all-day online Covid and Work Symposium on February 23.
We share serious concerns about minimising Covid-19 reinfections within workplaces, and for people recovering from Covid-19 or experiencing Long Covid symptoms regarding their employment.
The symposium aims to provide employers, employee representatives, healthcare providers, and members of the public with evidence-based, practical resources enabling New Zealand to keep workers safe, and minimise the disruption and productivity burden of Covid-related incapacity for employers.
We want to ensure that those negatively impacted by a Covid-19 infection are safely and appropriately supported to return to work and sustain employment.
However, we are still learning about the scale of people likely to be affected and how best to promote the enablement and recovery of people who cannot return to their usual work roles at the end of their isolation period.
Long Covid is a new disease and an additional contributor to the disability experience in this country. It is anticipated that eventually, almost all of us will catch Covid-19, and up to 10 percent of people infected may develop Long Covid, which has a significant impact on their lives.
Furthermore, new immune-evasive Omicron variants are increasingly likely to cause reinfections; each infection seems to carry a risk of developing Long Covid, so the burden on individuals, businesses, and society will continue to grow.
Long Covid presents with different patterns of symptoms and incapacity, and each case needs a tailored response from clinicians and employers to enable workers to overcome their functional limitations.
In addition, the intensity of impairments varies daily, and employers need to understand that flexibility will ultimately lead to greater productivity, staff retention, and wellbeing. For example, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) symptoms mean that a worker can’t work if constant posture changes or prolonged standing are required.
Post Exertional Malaise Syndrome (PEMS) can lead to a ‘boom and bust’ pattern of working if people push themselves to work too hard. Cognitive changes such as ‘brain fog’ means that people may need workplace adaptations to complete previously manageable tasks.
Promoting early, graduated, and safe return to work for people affected by Covid-19 needs new approaches, innovative services, and tailored support.
Many people will be able to return to work soon after a Covid-19 infection, a significant number will have prolonged symptoms that they can self-manage in the transition back to work, and some may need modification to their work to return to work safely.
Employers and trade unions play an important role in understanding the need for return-to-work flexibility and workplace accommodations, allowing people to work differently. For instance, this flexibility may involve increased time working from home or offering meaningful and productive employment matching their reduced work capacity.
Larger employers have in-house or contracted health staff who can provide professional support and advice; the need for this is likely to increase. Specialised vocational rehabilitation services can also be called in to help. We will hear about existing and new providers stepping up to meet this need at the symposium.
We will also hear from organisations such as WorkSafe and the Ministry of Social Development, who can advise on standards and support for employers and affected workers. Employer and employee agencies may also be able to advise on appropriate responses and interventions to keep people working. Some employers and workers may be able to draw on funding from private insurance schemes, and the Financial Services Commission will discuss this.
The pandemic and its aftermath are changing the nature of work, and employers will need to be well-informed and nimble in their responses to minimise staff and productivity losses. Likewise, trade unions and professional bodies will need accurate information and innovative ideas to provide advocacy and support to affected people. It is our hope that this symposium will promote work environments where opportunities to stay in the workforce after Covid-19 are maximised.
Register for free here to attend the Covid and Work Symposium online.
Associate Professor Rob Griffiths is Director of the Occupational and Aviation Medicine Unit at the University of Otago, Wellington.
Dr Rachelle Martin is Senior Lecturer in Te Whare Whakamātūtū | Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit [RTRU] at the University of Otago Wellington, and Research & Knowledge Translation Lead at Hā-i-mano | Burwood Academy Trust, Christchurch.
Dr Mona Jeffreys is an epidemiologist and senior research fellow at Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora | the Health Services Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
