Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Work, Health, & Well-being explored the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the future of work and worker safety, health, and wellbeing, in a February 1, 2022, Viewpoint article in The Lancet Public Health. The article was co-authored by Center Investigator Susan Peters, Center Associate Director Jack Dennerlein, Center Investigator Gregory Wagner, and Center Director Glorian Sorensen.
The article examined how changes in social, political, and economic environments are affecting employment and labor patterns, touching on issues such as the challenges facing essential workers, the rise of remote work, and burnout.
The article included several recommendations. For instance, government regulations aimed at safer working conditions—such as improved ventilation, reduced crowding, and other infection control measures—as well as supportive leave policies, could be important steps to protect workers across industries and jobs.
Read the Lancet Public Health article: Work and worker health in the post-pandemic world: a public health perspective