Working to Wellbeing has revealed it has supported 75% of long Covid sufferer referrals to remain at or return to work.
Speaking to Health & Protection, managing director Julie Denning, revealed the return to work rehabilitation specialist which has been supporting people with long Covid since the summer of 2020, has had nearly 400 referrals to date and consistent month on month referrals during this time.
But Denning further revealed that analysis of the firm’s return to work data has shown that of the people coming into its vocational rehabilitation service who have post Covid-19 syndrome (long Covid), 75% have been supported to remain in work, or return to work.
“For us, this provides hope for people that recovery and a return to functioning, including work, is possible,” Denning said.
Significant individual differences in symptoms
Denning added that over the course of providing its services, the firm has seen many people who are struggling with significant fatigue, cognitive challenges and psychological difficulties that affect their quality of life and their ability to work or return to work.
“While there may be similarities across our patients in terms of their symptom experience, what is key to understand about this condition is that there are significant individual differences in presentation and recovery,” she added.
“When working with line managers supporting their colleagues back to work, we are quick to point out that even though they may have supported others to return to work with PC19S, each person is different and line managers benefit from taking this individualised and tailored approach to their support. This includes being prepared for a much slower return to work duration, in part to take account of the fluctuating nature of the condition but also to be aware of the challenges of the recovery process and individual differences.”
Line manager support
But it appears line managers also require support. According to Denning, this is because over the past 19 months the firm has been approached by a number of line managers seeking their own support in helping their colleagues.
“In response have set up a helpline as a resource for employers and line managers for advice and guidance,” she added. “This enables them to access real time support and empowers them to provide the necessary support and signposting that their colleagues need.”