Insights
Are you suffering with long COVID? Does one of your employees have long COVID symptoms?
I’m suffering with long COVID and I don’t know how to speak to my employer. How do I manage an employee with Long COVID ? Can I get fired from Long COVID? These are only a handful of questions we are receiving on long COVID-19, and we’re here to help you understand the long COVID guidance.
What is long COVID?
The description for long COVID is a person that is suffering from symptoms weeks or months after their coronavirus infection has gone. One of the main long COVID symptoms is extreme fatigue, but this can vary depending on the individual.
Our top tip for employers
If you’re unsure of the procedure to bring your employees back to the office, why not fill out our COVID-19 Health and Safety checklist?
Download the COVID Health and Safety Checklist
You can use this checklist to speak with one of our expert hr consultants and health and safety consultants to ensure your office is COVID safe.
5 ways to help your employee suffering with long COVID symptoms
Keep in contact
As an employer it is important you keep in touch with your employee whilst they’re on sick leave for long COVID. Make sure you take that time to ask about their well-being and keep them at ease. Make sure you arrange a follow up call to keep up the dialogue with your employee.
Adjustments to work
When you’re speaking with an employee suffering with long COVID symptoms, ask them about their needs and concerns. This reassures your employee that you’re putting their feelings at the forefront of your mind.
Support employees with long COVID
Employees with long COVID might find returning on full-time hours a little daunting, so work with them to see if you can create a manageable work schedule. This might include starting on part time hours, only working in the mornings/afternoons/evenings, or working from home (dependent on the role).
Extra guidance on long COVID
There are numerous avenues of health services support available for employees that can benefit the recovery process. For example, occupational health, employee assistance programme, physiotherapy or psychological support.
Choosing an occupational health provider can assist by assessing employee’s medical fitness and can provide excellent advice on adjustments to the workplace.
Asses the working environment
Every job has different requirements, making it crucial to consider an employee’s daily tasks. Employees suffering with long COVID may not be able to carry out manual tasks or struggle to work inconsistent shift patterns. To ensure you have everything covered, you can complete a risk assessment – take a look at our guide.
Our HR Consultants can help you create policies, speak to one of our expert human resource consultants today.
