Working with Long COVID: Impacts and Options for Work Arrangements

In addition to symptoms such as breathing difficulties and pain, Long COVID can also be associated with cognitive impairment, severe fatigue, and a worsening state of health after physical or mental exertion. As a result, many sufferers experience an impact on their work. A reduced ability to perform in the workplace results in sometimes long absences and requires adjustments to how work is carried out. With Long COVID manifesting itself in many different ways, such changes should not be schematic but designed to meet specific individual needs. A survey with 1,457 participants conducted in 2022 by the REHADAT project based at the German Economic Institute (IW) shows how Long COVID can affect working life and what forms of support and workplace adaptation are available to sufferers. The results confirm the importance of taking an individualised approach if vocational reintegration is to be successful and sustainable participation in working life achieved. For example, reducing the working week and greater flexibility with regard to the place of work and/or working hours have proved beneficial. Generally tried-andtested instruments such as company-based integration management and phased return to work can also be helpful. Due to the varying and episodic nature of Long COVID, however, it may be necessary to review and adjust such established procedures before implementing them.