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COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Giorgi

    (Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy)

  • Luigi Isaia Lecca

    (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Federico Alessio

    (Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy)

  • Georgia Libera Finstad

    (Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy)

  • Giorgia Bondanini

    (Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy)

  • Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli

    (School of Occupational Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Giulio Arcangeli

    (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Nicola Mucci

    (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy)

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply altered social and working environments in several ways. Social distancing policies, mandatory lockdowns, isolation periods, and anxiety of getting sick, along with the suspension of productive activity, loss of income, and fear of the future, jointly influence the mental health of citizens and workers. Workplace aspects can play a crucial role on moderating or worsening mental health of people facing this pandemic scenario. The purpose of this literature review is to deepen the psychological aspects linked to workplace factors, following the epidemic rise of COVID-19, in order to address upcoming psychological critical issues in the workplaces. We performed a literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, selecting papers focusing on workers’ psychological problems that can be related to the workplace during the pandemic. Thirty-five articles were included. Mental issues related to the health emergency, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders are more likely to affect healthcare workers, especially those on the frontline, migrant workers, and workers in contact with the public. Job insecurity, long periods of isolation, and uncertainty of the future worsen the psychological condition, especially in younger people and in those with a higher educational background. Multiple organizational and work-related interventions can mitigate this scenario, such as the improvement of workplace infrastructures, the adoption of correct and shared anti-contagion measures, including regular personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and the implementation of resilience training programs. This review sets the basis for a better understanding of the psychological conditions of workers during the pandemic, integrating individual and social perspectives, and providing insight into possible individual, social, and occupational approaches to this “psychological pandemic”.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Giorgi & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Federico Alessio & Georgia Libera Finstad & Giorgia Bondanini & Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli & Giulio Arcangeli & Nicola Mucci, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7857-:d:435237
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Lee, Sing & Chan, Lydia Y.Y. & Chau, Annie M.Y. & Kwok, Kathleen P.S. & Kleinman, Arthur, 2005. "The experience of SARS-related stigma at Amoy Gardens," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(9), pages 2038-2046, November.
    3. Warwick McKibbin & Roshen Fernando, 2021. "The Global Macroeconomic Impacts of COVID-19: Seven Scenarios," Asian Economic Papers, MIT Press, vol. 20(2), pages 1-30, Summer.
    4. Nicola Mucci & Veronica Traversini & Gabriele Giorgi & Eleonora Tommasi & Simone De Sio & Giulio Arcangeli, 2019. "Migrant Workers and Psychological Health: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-28, December.
    5. Luca A Morgantini & Ushasi Naha & Heng Wang & Simone Francavilla & Ömer Acar & Jose M Flores & Simone Crivellaro & Daniel Moreira & Michael Abern & Martin Eklund & Hari T Vigneswaran & Stevan M Weine, 2020. "Factors contributing to healthcare professional burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid turnaround global survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(9), pages 1-11, September.
    6. Dian-Jeng Li & Nai-Ying Ko & Yi-Lung Chen & Peng-Wei Wang & Yu-Ping Chang & Cheng-Fang Yen & Wei-Hsin Lu, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Sleep Disturbance and Suicidal Thoughts among the Taiwanese Public: A Facebook Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, June.
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