WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LONG COVID

To the relief of many, Covid-related restrictions are being eased across the UK. But while the pandemic seems to be abating, what about its lingering health effects?

Long Covid is the name given to symptoms lasting for 12 weeks or more. And for some sufferers, it’s a serious condition that limits their ability to work.

So let’s take a look at long Covid, and see how employers can support staff who are suffering from the after-effects of infection.

What is long Covid?

Most people who get Covid will bounce back pretty quickly: usually within a few days or weeks.

But for a sizeable minority, that’s sadly not the case. Last June, a major study found that over a third of those who’d had Covid reported at least one symptom lasting for 12 weeks or more. That’s potentially two million people who were suffering from long Covid.

People with persistent symptoms fell into two broad groups: those who experienced tiredness and muscle aches; and those affected by shortness of breath, or chest tightness or pain.

Prevalence was higher among women and older people. Of those with symptoms, around 10% described them as severe.

How is long Covid affecting the workplace?

So how is this being felt in the workplace?

According to research from the CIPD and Simply Health, almost half (46%) of employers have staff who have had long Covid in the past year. And a fifth didn’t know, suggesting the problem could be under-reported.

Some 26% of employers now include long Covid as one of their main causes of long-term sickness absence.

Rachel Suff of the CIPD said: “Long Covid remains a growing issue that employers need to be aware of, and they should take appropriate steps to support employees with the condition. There’s a risk that those who experience ongoing long Covid symptoms may not get the support they need in the workplace and could even fall out of work.”

And for organisations in the arts, culture and heritage sector, which has already been badly hit by the pandemic, that could present a further barrier to recovery.

What can you do to help staff with long Covid?

Encouragingly, among organisations surveyed by CIPD which had staff with long Covid, a high proportion were taking supportive action. Some 70% were offering occupational health assessments, 60% were tailoring support to individual needs, and 58% were promoting flexible working.

The CIPD recommends providing guidance and advice to line managers on supporting employees to stay in work while managing long-term health conditions  – something that only a minority of organisations were doing.

How can StaffSavvy help manage long Covid absences?

Great tech can also ease the strain on employers and line managers. StaffSavvy can automate your workplace processes, so that your staff can focus on other things – like that small matter of rebuilding your theatre, museum or other attraction after a two-year pandemic!

Our staff rota management software helps your line managers organise cover when workers are off sick. And our timesheet and payroll automation helps your staff to manage their own schedules more effectively, and catch up after a period of absence.

To find out what StaffSavvy can offer, book a demo today.