January 12, 2023

New Study of Employees With Long COVID Demonstrates Need for More Workplace Accommodations

Since the beginning of the pandemic “long COVID” remains a new and poorly understood condition both for medical experts and people suffering from the condition. For workers, this has had a significant impact on their ability to remain productive at work. One in five people reporting a positive COVID diagnosis report experiencing symptoms of long COVID, according to the CDC. And, in a new study focused on long-COVID sufferers, 99% of participants reported that the condition had adversely affected their work. Participants reported having to take time off work, depression, anxiety, and even switching jobs.

The study also revealed that these problems are not merely personal, as employers have not done enough to create clear ways to communicate the availability for accommodations, which are required under the ADA, broadened in summer of 2021 to recognize “long COVID” as a disability. Respondents reported lack of workplace flexibility, poor communication, and a more general fear of broaching the subject with employers., all of which were more acutely felt among  respondents of color.

However, there is much that employers can do to help employees who are dealing with long COVID. The first is simply to talk more openly about the condition. Many people are not even aware they are suffering from long COVID because of the lack of diagnostic tools to point to the condition coupled with its similarities with other common mental health conditions. However, many of those conditions already allow for accommodations, so employers should not be fearful of widening the discussion to include long COVID. Additionally, many of those accommodations cost little, are easy to implement and have been used for other conditions for years, making it an easy target for employers.

No One Should Work in an Unsafe Workplace

April 13, 2020
Leave
Tradition is a hard thing to break, and in some industries, it is proving especially difficult during the coronavirus lockdown that is affecting most of the world. Even “Essential Businesses” in New York, which are allowed to remain open, should be utilizing remote work to the extent possible, and all businesses should be following safety precautions. If you feel unsafe at work, get in touch with us to understand your rights and options.

Applying for Unemployment

April 8, 2020
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Overview of applying for unemployment benefits at this time.

CLE on COVID-19: Legal Issues and Government Resources Employers Should Know

April 8, 2020
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Here is a video of the CLE provided by Associate Alex Berke through the Dutchess County and Westchester County Bar Associations on April 1, 2020. It contains information on New York State Paid Family Leave, the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act expansion, and general information for employers on how to think through questions about their employees.

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Knowing where to turn in legal matters can make a big difference. Contact our employment lawyers to determine if we can help you.