Spot on with highlighting labour shortages – this could really have a ripple effect across essential sectors. A key factor that’s often overlooked is how mental health can amplify absenteeism and reduce productivity during extreme pandemics. For instance, ongoing stress, anxiety, and burnout can take a toll on workers’ ability to show up, even if they aren’t physically ill. This could further exacerbate labour gaps, especially in high-stress environments like healthcare or energy sectors, where specialised workers are already in short supply. It’s crucial that response plans address not only physical health but also mental health support to reduce absenteeism and help workers cope with these extreme scenarios.
Agreed. We touched on this very briefly in the preprint, and I think it’s worth considering seriously. In a scenario where your family, friends, and loved ones are in danger, it becomes really difficult to choose to continue working — either effectively or at all. It’s important for researchers and policymakers to understand that making response plans work will require doing everything possible to make sure people are protected and that they actually feel safe. This includes robust mental health programs and communication plans, and is particularly important for any scenarios with on-site worker housing.
Spot on with highlighting labour shortages – this could really have a ripple effect across essential sectors. A key factor that’s often overlooked is how mental health can amplify absenteeism and reduce productivity during extreme pandemics. For instance, ongoing stress, anxiety, and burnout can take a toll on workers’ ability to show up, even if they aren’t physically ill. This could further exacerbate labour gaps, especially in high-stress environments like healthcare or energy sectors, where specialised workers are already in short supply. It’s crucial that response plans address not only physical health but also mental health support to reduce absenteeism and help workers cope with these extreme scenarios.
Agreed. We touched on this very briefly in the preprint, and I think it’s worth considering seriously. In a scenario where your family, friends, and loved ones are in danger, it becomes really difficult to choose to continue working — either effectively or at all. It’s important for researchers and policymakers to understand that making response plans work will require doing everything possible to make sure people are protected and that they actually feel safe. This includes robust mental health programs and communication plans, and is particularly important for any scenarios with on-site worker housing.