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Published on: December 6, 2024
COVID-19 and worker mental distress
Reka Sundaram-Stukel1, Pelin Kesebir2, Regina Vidaver3
1Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 7415 Social Sciences, Madison, WI 53703, USA.
Background:
This analysis posits that COVID-19-related worker mental distress may be different for those continuously employed and for those who faced temporary job loss.
Methods:
Mental distress during COVID-19 is characterized using two nationally representative surveys, the American Trend Panel (ATP) and the Household Pulse Survey (HPS). Using a probit model, we examine workplace perceptions for the mentally distressed in the ATP sample. We use graphical analysis to identify barriers to seeking mental healthcare using the 2021-22 HPS sample.
Results:
In October 2020, the probability of mental distress increased between 7.1 and 9.1 percentage points in response to worsening work-life balance, lowered job security, lowered work productivity and lowered work satisfaction. Workers' perception of advancement denial and poor connectivity with coworkers increased the probability of mental distress by 3.0-5.8 percentage points. In October 2021, over 40% of workers who had experienced job loss reported mental distress as compared to 20% of those with jobs. Only 25% of those with mental distress sought counseling. These high levels of mental distress continued into October 2022.
Conclusions:
Mitigation strategies for worker mental health should include prosocial nudges, attention to employment history, managerial sensitivity and worker resilience training.
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