The coronavirus pandemic has interrupted lives and livelihoods. And perhaps no one has been more affected than those diagnosed with the virus. As workers afflicted with COVID-19 come back to work, they may need extra time, assistance and support in safely returning to previous duties or a transitional job.

COVID Complications

Some workers who become infected will have mild symptoms or even no symptoms. But for the workers who have more severe symptoms and complications with hospitalization, they are likely to require more extensive rehabilitation and may be slower to return to work at full capacity.

People with severe cases of COVID-19 may experience new or worsened heart or lung issues, muscle weakness due to the immobility, and extended hospitalizations could present health problems unrelated to COVID, such as cognitive issues, memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reassess Employees Post Recovery

After months of inactivity, overeating or recovery, a more sedentary lifestyle will catch up with many workers, and they may not be capable of returning to work at full strength. It is imperative to reassess the fitness and overall health of returning workers and modify or adapt work duties as necessary.

Here’s a 4-step plan for an effective post-COVID return to work program:

1. Fitness for Duty Testing - ensure the worker possesses the physical ability to perform the essential functions of their job and identify any work restrictions or effective transitional work plans.
2. Transitional Work Opportunities - prepare a set of safe transitional work duty tasks for individuals working at less than optimal capacity.
3. Job Coaching Worksite Check-ins – assess if your workers who have recently returned to work are struggling, if there are modifications needed to decrease the difficulty or if conditioning is needed.
4. Healthcare teams - gather physical, occupational and/or speech therapists together to assist the return to work plan for the most complex cases.

For additional details on helping workers returning after COVID-19, read WorkWell’s White Paper in its entirety https://www.workwell.com/pdf/returning-workers-fitness/

If you need help with your COVID return to work plan, contact WorkWell today.