The Impact of COVID-19 on Workers
- By Dr. Kevan Orvitz
- Oct 01, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our country, the world and each and every one of our lives. Not only have we faced devastating losses of life, but many have lost their jobs or worked through fear as essential front-line workers. Through it all, the way we work has completely changed, and the pandemic continues to alter the relationship between the employer and employee. While some have the ability to work from home and create a “new normal.” Others are forced to take on more physical work, working more hours and longer days. Still, it seems people on both sides of the working aisle find work to be more stressful and harder than before.
In many job sectors, employees may feel that overworking is strategic response to the pandemic. From front line workers to factory workers, everyone is burnt out and in need of a break. Regardless of how everyone feels, we are still fighting this pandemic and still need to show patience and perseverance. Prior to the pandemic, companies promoted taking breaks to rest and having adequate vacation time. Today, these messages are not as loud or clear to employees. These workers are now left feeling exhausted and burnt out.
The UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), showed that mental distress was 8.1 percent higher in April of 2020, compared to 2017-2019. In additional to mental overload and burden, people coping with sleep problems increased to 25 percent from 16 percent.
In Canada, an online survey of 500 Canadian workers showed that:
- People felt less safe at work due to the disease
- About 75 percent of participants reported increased anxiety and stress at work
- Women reported a greater increase in tasks and stress than men
- One in four participants admitted to negative experiences with their employer
- Most respondents felt taken advantage of by their employer
In the U.S., a Pew Research Study showed that lower-income workers who are unable to work from home express the highest concern for COVID-19 exposure. In addition, minority workers expressed even more concern about catching or spreading COVID-19. The UKHLS, also confirmed these same findings in the UK, showing these minorities also showed increased anxiety and stress.
This article originally appeared in the October 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.