Take Steps to Fight Pandemic Fatigue
Some workers are growing tired of ongoing pandemic-related restrictions and becoming lax in their compliance with COVID-19-related protocols such as mask wearing. Their “pandemic fatigue” is creating challenges and legal risks that employers need to address.
[...]
In essence, “pandemic fatigue is the result of living and working under COVID-19 restrictions for a prolonged period,” said Anthony Mingione, an attorney with Blank Rome in New York City. “Social distancing, avoiding gatherings and constant hypervigilance against an invisible threat have taken their toll on society, and it is not at all surprising to see their effects in the workplace.”
Effects
Pandemic fatigue causes disengagement, which can result in performance problems or policy violations, Mingione noted.
In some instances, pandemic fatigue is leading to co-worker conflicts, Weiss said. For example, some employees become angry when colleagues lower their face coverings either below the nose or to chin-strap level, especially when the boss or customers walk away. Reduced willingness to wear masks on videoconferences from the office is another source of friction among onsite co-workers.
Colleagues also are upset by those less willing to stay 6 feet away from others or who don't give the right of way to others in hallways.
Sometimes, pandemic fatigue can lead to mental illness or exacerbate existing conditions. “Employers that do not address these issues risk exposure to future disability claims,” Mingione said.
“Pandemic fatigue can also cause a lack of adherence to safety protocols, which can open up employers to exposure if those safety failings lead to COVID-19 outbreaks in the workforce or in third parties who deal with a company's workers,” he added.
To read the full article, please click here.
“Take Steps to Fight Pandemic Fatigue,” by Allen Smith was published in SHRM on March 8, 2021.