Supporting workers with long COVID

The IGLOo approach to supporting workers with long COVID return to and remain in work

Summary:

Long COVID is a complex syndrome that affects many people previously infected with COVID-19. It has major implications for the workforce, contributing to sickness absence, impaired productivity and job loss. Karina Nielsen and Jo Yarker explain how a framework that combines support from managers, occupational health and colleagues can help individuals retain their work ability.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who contracted the virus continue to experience long-term health issues. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defined post-COVID syndrome, commonly referred to as long COVID, as ‘signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis’1. Long COVID has also been defined as post-COVID conditions and chronic COVID-19, among other terms.

The lack of a universally agreed definition makes it harder to give consistent diagnosis and treatment and creates problems in how healthcare practitioners understand and support those affected. It also led to …

 

 

Karina Nielsen is a professor of work psychology at the Institute for Work Psychology at Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield.

 

Jo Yarker is a managing partner at Affinity Health at Work and professor of occupational psychology at the Business School, Birkbeck, University of London.

Author: Nielsen K, Yarker J

Tags absence COVID-19 sickness absence

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2024 (vol. 21/2) pp16-18

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