Female essential workers' health and well-being was substantially more impaired than that of male workers during the Covid-19 pandemic according to a new study.
The research has been published by University College Dublin in partnership with the Nevin Economic
Research Institute.
"Essential Workers’ Experience of Work during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ireland" looked at the realities of the work performed by nurses, doctors, care staff, retail staff and other essential workers during the pandemic.
The study used data from the UCD Working in Ireland Survey to examine the risks encountered by workers in contracting Covid-19 while at work, the demands placed upon them, the consequences for their health and well-being, and how effectively management and trade unions supported them.
The research found that essential workers’ well-being was substantially impaired during the pandemic with pronounced levels of reported anxiety.
According to the study, female essential workers were at a greater risk of contracting the virus than their male counterparts.
Female workers’ well-being was also significantly more impaired and was evident in their more
intensive work effort levels and more pronounced levels of anxiety and stress.
Almost seven in ten essential workers voiced their worries about contracting the virus to their employer. However, only half reported that their organisations fully addressed their concerns.
Mitigation strategies
The study found that Covid-19 mitigation strategies were better implemented for high earner essential workers than they were for those on lower wages.
Essential workers employed in workplaces where they trusted their management and believed they
were treated with fairness and respect, and where there was trade union representation, were more
likely to report lower levels of work intensification and anxiety.
Essential workers' perceptions of trade union influence during the pandemic were generally
positive.
The researchers said the report’s findings point to the need for adequate resources to increase
staffing and capacity in the health care system to avoid negative outcomes for workers.
The report's authors also said that caring responsibilities and other work-life balance issues need to be addressed to avoid the gendered negative outcomes outlined in the study.
One of the report authors, Professor John Geary of UCD, said the research is the only study of its kind to look at the work experiences of essential workers.
"We applauded them and we are forever indebted to their courage and hard work," Prof Geary said.
"But we must now acknowledge the risks and effects this work had on them, and put in place policies which would reduce and mitigate the harmful effects any such health emergency would have on them in the future. We owe them that," he added.
