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An article was published in JAMA Network Open in October 2025 entitled: Enduring Outcomes of COVID-19 Work Absences on the US Labor Market. A summary of the study is provided below. Another summary which can be listened to is provided here.
Table of Contents
Summary
A cohort study spanning 2010-2024 examined how persistent circulation of COVID‑19 correlates with health-related work absences and workforce exits in the US. Using monthly data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) linked with wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, the researchers compared three periods: pre-pandemic (prior to March 2020), pandemic (March 2020-April 2023) and post-public health-emergency (May 2023-Dec 2024).
Key findings
| During March 2020 – April 2023, health-related absences rose by ~56.7% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and remain elevated post-emergency, at around +12.9%. |
| Workforce exits (the number of workers leaving employment after a health-related absence) increased ~29.3% during March 2020 – April 2023 and ~13.1% during May 2023 – December 2024 compared to January 2015 – February 2020. |
| Absence rates stayed particularly high among occupations with low capacity to work from home (WFH) and those requiring high physical proximity — e.g., +8.1% for low-WFH roles and +12.5% for high-proximity jobs in during May 2023 – December 2024. |
| The authors suggest COVID-19 may have established a new “baseline” of work absences comparable to a busy influenza season, signalling the need for ongoing workplace interventions and data collection. |
Relevance for SHH-UK and workplace air safety
| The findings underscore that COVID-19 virus circulation continues to impact workforce participation and absenteeism — especially in roles with high exposure risk (e.g., healthcare, frontline services). |
| For SHH-UK’s #SafeAir4All campaign, the study reinforces the imperative to improve indoor air quality, enhance ventilation, strengthen infection-prevention protocols, and maintain policies that allow for sick leave and prevent presenteeism. |
| The research provides credible evidence for advocates: not only patient safety but also workforce resilience and retention are jeopardised by ongoing infectious risks. |
| From a policy angle: organisations and regulators should consider that respiratory pathogens remain a work-disruption hazard and that investment in preventive infrastructure (air filtration, monitoring, safe-workplace design) is justified. |
Key Messages for Employers
| Ongoing viral circulation impacts absences High-risk occupations remain vulnerable Air quality and exposure mitigation are key actionable levers |
More information about the importance of indoor air quality in healthcare settings can be found in the SHH-UK position statement which can be accessed by clicking here.
