The Hidden Cost of COVID: Long COVID's Impact on the Workforce
Imagine millions of workers sidelined—not because of a skill gap, or by emerging technology, but by a condition that leaves them unable to perform even the simplest tasks.¹ Long COVID is rippling across businesses, increasing illness in the workforce, reducing productivity and driving up healthcare costs.² ³
Employers are on the front lines of this challenge and are key to the solution. By prioritizing prevention with updated COVID-19 vaccinations and implementing supportive policies, employers can protect their workforce and mitigate the economic toll of Long COVID. These actions aren’t just good for employees—they’re strategic investments in productivity, resilience and the bottom line.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is a condition characterized by more than 200 symptoms, ranging from extreme fatigue and brain fog to joint pain and respiratory difficulties.⁴ About one in five people who’ve had COVID go on to develop Long COVID.⁵
The Economic Toll of Long COVID
The economic toll of Long COVID is staggering, impacting both individuals and the broader economy. Seventy percent of organizations report moderate to significant workforce disruptions due to Long COVID.⁶
Millions of Americans have been forced out of work due to the condition, resulting in an estimated $168 billion in lost wages annually and contributing to the estimated $3.7 trillion overall economic burden in 2022 alone.⁷ ⁸ This translates to a significant loss of productivity for businesses. With one in five Long COVID sufferers unable to work and 20 percent of those aged 30-49 having experienced the condition, the impact on the workforce is profound.⁹ ¹⁰
Long COVID also causes individuals and families financial instability. In a new study in Health Services Research, researchers report that the cost of Long COVID is making it harder for people to pay their bills, buy groceries and pay for utilities. The study found Long COVID increased the likelihood of food insecurity by 2 to 10 percentage points.¹¹
Long Covid is most likely following a severe illness but can also develop in people who only had mild symptoms. The risk of Long COVID rises with each infection. A recent study shows that by the third infection, there’s a 40 percent chance of developing long-term symptoms.¹²
What Can Employers Do?
Given the significant impact of Long COVID on workplaces, employers play a crucial role in supporting affected employees. Some steps employers can take include:
Urge employees to visit www.ForYouAndThem.com to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments today. Updated COVID-19 vaccines not only decrease the risk of severe illness but also significantly lower the chances of developing Long COVID, making them a vital tool for prevention.¹³
Organize workplace vaccine clinics. Workplace clinics offer a convenient way for employees to get vaccinated. Clinics can administer influenza and COVID vaccines at the same time.
Create policies that accommodate affected employees, such as flexible work arrangements. Long COVID may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Therefore, employers should be prepared to provide effective accommodations, and support to employees affected by the condition. Employers should also review their existing procedures and consider developing policies, such as paid time off for employees experiencing Long COVID.
Provide access to mental health support. Long COVID can have devastating effects on mental health. The illness itself, along with social isolation and financial insecurity, can contribute to fatigue, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties.¹⁴
By understanding and addressing the impact of Long COVID, we can create a healthier and more supportive workplace for everyone.
⁴https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
⁵https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220622.htm
⁸https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/30/why-long-covid-could-be-the-next-public-health-disaster.html
⁹https://ww3.nysif.com/-/media/Files/PHS--FS_PAD_UW/LongCovid24/2024LongCovidInfoEmployers.pdf
¹⁰https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm
¹¹https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1475-6773.14413
¹²https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00015-eng.htm