Accommodations That Also Work for Long COVID

Fatigue. Brain fog. Anxiety.

Employees may experience these conditions at any time. When they’re happening because of long COVID, a proactive approach can help them cope.

Fortunately, disability insurance carriers like The Standard have experience helping workers with chronic conditions that may mirror long COVID. Many employers and their insurance partners already have the tools to address them.

Help your clients meet the challenges of long COVID in the workplace. Start by sharing these top symptoms and potential accommodations that can help employees stay at work or return to work sooner.*

Symptom: Fatigue

Individuals with long COVID may experience intense fatigue that gets worse with physical or mental activity. It’s the kind of fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest.

Similar to: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How to accommodate:

• Anti-fatigue floor mats and shoes
• Ergonomic and pneumatic tools, including zero-gravity equipment that holds the weight of tools during use
• Specialized seats, such as low-task chairs to reach objects near the ground and stools with wheels that let you move around more easily
• Multi-purpose carts, scooters and walkers
• Flexible scheduling and more frequent breaks, along with a private rest area, if necessary

Symptom: Brain Fog

This is a catchall term for cognitive symptoms that make people feel mentally sluggish. They may find it hard to concentrate on tasks or remember information. They may also struggle to follow directions, understand conversations or handle emotions.

Similar to: Cognitive impairment, such as after a stroke

How to accommodate:

• Mobile apps to help with concentration
• Electronic organizers, desk organizers and planners
• Task separation, task flow charts and written instructions for complex work
• Noise-blocking strategies to reduce distractions, such as using a white noise machine
• Cubicle doors, shields and shades to reduce visual distractions

Symptom: Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as sudden and unexpected periods of intense fear. Individuals may experience physical symptoms, too. These can include rapid heart rate or pounding, sweating, shortness of breath and trembling.

Similar to: Panic disorder

How to accommodate:

• Mobile apps for managing anxiety and panic attacks
• Modified break schedules
• Private space to practice anxiety-lowering strategies
• Support person or animal

For additional resources and information to help with anxiety, visit our Behavioral Health Resource Center.

To learn more about long COVID, workplace accommodations for other symptoms and how the condition is affecting the workforce, read our recently published white paper.