Long COVID Support
There are 2m people in the UK estimated to have Long COVID, with fatigue being the most common symptom (ONS).
A new study led by Leicester researchers has revealed, nearly 30,000 people in the UK may be unable to work because of Long COVID. The prevalence is greatest in 35-69 year olds, so most people affected are of working age.
Impacts in the workplace
Long COVID is often a cluster of overlapping symptoms which may change over time and can affect multiple systems in the body. Long COVID symptoms which seem to have the greatest impact on work and return to work are:
Fatigue
Cognitive dysfunction (such as difficulty concentrating and memory loss)
Brain fog
Breathlessness
Difficulty sleeping
Muscle/joint aches and pain.
Workplace Support
Support may include:
Adjustments to job roles to agreed baselines to support work
Energy management strategies to assist: rest concentration productivity
A sustainable phased return to work programme. Identifying unique triggers and learning to pace and self manage energy
Developing resilience strategies
A bespoke and flexible plan
Regular reviews.
Benefits of implementing a fatigue management plan
Resumption of contracted hours
Full engagement with job roles
Reduced sickness absence
Less complex support from HR, line managers and occupational health
Energy at work and home is balanced.
