Nearly half of firms have employees who have experienced long Covid

As many as 46% of businesses have employees who have experienced long Covid in the last 12 months, finds a new survey.

As a result, 26% of employers now include long Covid among their main causes of long-term sickness absence.

The CIPD survey of 804 organisations found that just a quarter of firms are providing training/guidance for line managers on how to support people to stay at work when managing health conditions, and only 19% provide any guidance for employees.

Rachel Suff, senior policy adviser for employment relations at the CIPD, commented on the findings, “Long COVID remains a growing issue that employers need to be aware of, and they should take appropriate steps to support employees with the condition. There’s a risk that those who experience ongoing long COVID symptoms may not get the support they need in the workplace and could even fall out of work.”

Suff added, “Employers should ensure they have a supportive and inclusive culture that helps employees feel confident to discuss a health condition and ask for support or helpful changes when needed, such as a phased return or flexible working arrangements.

“Line managers should be given training and guidance on how to support members of their team with the condition, including how to facilitate a successful return to work following illness. Managers should bear in mind that employees might be reluctant to discuss ongoing health symptoms, so should check-in with their team regularly and ensure there are opportunities for them to flag any issues.”

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