Economic fallout from coronavirus pandemic
CAIRNS GP Cameron McLeod has found a specific cohort of patients is struggling with the uncertainty of a post-shutdown world.
“There is definitely a core of patients with existing health issues that are feeling pressured to go back to work and are not feeling safe to do so,” Dr McLeod said. “One group is school teachers.”
Dr McLeod said some patients with chronic health issues did not feel safe in their workplace due to their vulnerability to infection.
“They are feeling that they will have to go back to an environment that is not safe,” Dr McLeod said.
“Most are happy to work from home, but the message from their workplace is that there is a use-by date on that.
“My encouragement to employers is to keep that flexibility; it makes a massive difference to those people.”
Independent Education Union Queensland branch secretary Terry Burke said its members had suffered during the pandemic.
“Employers must recognise the tremendous toll that recent events may have had on employees – unprecedented educational change, excessive workloads and ongoing safety threats are having widespread mental health implications across the education community,” Mr Burke said.
“Employer programs to support and protect staff wellbeing need to be prioritised.
“Workload interventions to help with work-life balance, workplace support networks and a compassionate approach to employee leave and flexible work requests are just some ways employers can make a real and positive difference.”