Many of us have been sick in the past two years, and whether it was COVID or not, it's difficult to feel like you're performing your best when you're not feeling your best. A recent topic at the Watercooler (which may still be virtual) is the effects of long COVID and what employers can do for those struggling.
According to the CDC, 14% of adults in the U.S. have either experienced the effects of long COVID or are currently experiencing them. The symptoms of long COVID include disruptive fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and dizziness. A recent study done by Northwestern Medicine reports that symptoms can last for an average of 15 months after initial infection. And it's important to note that younger adults are more at risk than older populations.
It can already feel tough for employees to focus during the pandemic and with everything happening in the nation right now. Being expected to return to work with full vigor while not physically feeling your best can simply make this worse. And as we saw with the list of symptoms, long COVID isn't something to take lightly.
With the Great Resignation going on (where employees across multiple sectors are resigning during the pandemic after realizing they weren't happy), it could be beneficial and show compassion if companies are able to adapt to this new phenomenon through their policies and employee support, especially since long COVID can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
It's imperative we take breaks and pace ourselves, especially when we're sick, and as employers, it's even more important to allow employees the time, space, and sympathy, to do that. If you have any questions on how to provide support for employees through benefits, Medcom Benefits can help you out.
Contact us at 800-523-7542 or sales@medcombenefits.com. Also, check out all our solutions to learn how we can provide the best support to you and your clients with our expertise and dedicated account managers. At Medcom, there will always be a real person on the other line to help you.
