Resource outlines how to mitigate risks, support affected employees
The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) has released a new educational pamphlet to assist employers in managing “Long Covid” in the workplace.
"NYSIF's new publication will help businesses understand the risks posed by Long Covid to the workforce, how to mitigate those risks, and how to support those affected," said NYSIF Executive Director and CEO Gaurav Vasisht in a statement.
Long COVID is a multifaceted syndrome that causes new, returning, or ongoing symptoms in people for weeks, months, or years after their initial infection with COVID-19.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of long COVID include:
- Extreme tiredness, especially after activity.
- Problems with memory, often called brain fog.
- A feeling of being lightheaded or dizzy.
- Problems with taste or smell.
Other symptoms include:
- Sleep problems.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Digestion problems, such as loose stools, constipation or bloating.
Return to work hampered by long COVID
According to the NYSIF, about 18% of employees who were hit with long COVID in 2023 were not able to return to work for more than a year, with the overall impact of long COVID in the US estimated at $3.7 trillion.
Amid its "profound and far-reaching" impact on the workforce, NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said that the NYSIF's pamphlet highlights the need to offer accommodation and support to affected employees.
"NYSIF's new resource underscores the critical need for employers to offer accommodations and support, ensuring that workers affected by Long Covid can continue to thrive both personally and professionally," Reardon said in a statement.
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James McDonald, NYS Department of Health Commissioner, added that the pamphlet is a step toward helping employers understand the symptoms and limitations associated with long COVID.
"It's important that we continue to raise awareness about the significant impact of Long Covid, and to continue to encourage vaccination as a measure of protection against developing this condition. I thank NYSIF for taking this important step to raise awareness and support New York's dedicated workforce," McDonald said.