Vocational rehabilitation firm Working to Wellbeing is seeking to partner with intermediaries as it rolls out its personalised long Covid work support service to businesses.
The service, available on a pay as you go basis, aims to help people with the condition function and return to work.
It is delivered virtually by clinicians and helps employers make better use of any existing employee benefits and services where relevant, with a view to improving efficiencies and reducing wellbeing inequalities.
The firm said its service typically includes an individual consultation by clinicians who have an understanding of the bio-occupational-psycho-social (BOPS) approach.
It then develops a Wellbeing Action Plan, which may include one-to-one support from experts in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy.
There is signposting to other benefits and services the employer provides, while Working to Wellbeing will also offer training sessions, vocational rehabilitation and return to work support.
Yesterday, Health & Protection reported on findings presented by Dr Jenny Lunt, lecturer in health psychology and behaviour change at University of Derby, which showed workers with post Covid syndrome wanted their employers to adopt a flexible, collaborative approach to easing them back into work.
And Dr Julie Denning, managing director and chartered health psychologist at Working To Wellbeing, (pictured) said she would strongly advise employers to provide long Covid support to employees as early as possible to help improve the effectiveness of interventions and reduce the chances of long-term absence or presenteeism.
“There is currently a void in public services; a void that employers can help fill – for the benefit of their employees and their businesses,” she said.
“Even where NHS primary and secondary care is accessed, it should be borne in mind that GPs and healthcare specialists do not regularly factor in work-ability. And the true extent of the problem on people and business is probably being masked right now by furlough, shielding and working from home.”