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COVID-19 Pandemic's Effects on Occupational Health and Perceived Work Ability of a Large Group of Italian Banking Employees

Authors

  • Marco Mendola a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:75:"Occupational Health Unit, Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Milan";}
  • Marco Leoni School of Occupational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • Giuseppe Marano Medical Research and Medical Statistics Unit, Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • Maurizio Coggiola Consultant on Occupational Medicine, Turin, Italy
  • Dario Russignaga Tutela Aziendale, Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy
  • Elia Biganzoli Medical Research and Medical Statistics Unit, Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • Paolo Carrer Occupational Health Unit, Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

Keywords:

asthenopia, Musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress, work ability, tertiary

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic compelled changes to the structure and organization of many occupational sectors that may impact workers' well-being and work-related symptoms. Objective: Evaluate the effects of working modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational health outcomes and work ability (WA) among a large group of Italian banking employees. Methods: 2,859 employees visited during health surveillance in 2021 were divided into two job groups: front-office (FO) and back-office workers (BO). Data on conditions associated with office work, psychological distress, WA, and fitness-to-work judgment were analyzed and compared with available data from the pre-pandemic period (2018–2019). Results: The prevalence of analyzed outcomes was lower than in pre- and post-COVID evaluation literature. After COVID-19, a 28% increase in asthenopin was found in BO, while musculoskeletal symptoms increased about 22% in BO and 9% in FO. Post-COVID showed a 28% rise in stress-related symptoms and a 17% increase in psychotropic drug consumption in both groups. After the lockdown, the prevalence of moderate/poor scores decreased by 13% in each group. Fitness-to-work judgment without limitations prevalence was unchanged. Conclusion: The slight worsening in all examined outcomes at post-lockdown evaluation and the outcomes' prevalence consistently lower than the literature data could be linked to the measures the Institute took to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, a comprehensive integration between occupational safety and health promotion practices is recommended to ensure the highest level of safeguarding for workers' well-being.

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1.
Mendola M, Leoni M, Marano G, Coggiola M, Russignaga D, Biganzoli E, et al. COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effects on Occupational Health and Perceived Work Ability of a Large Group of Italian Banking Employees. Med Lav [Internet]. [cited 2024 Dec. 1];:e2024038. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/lamedicinadellavoro/article/view/15848