The Working Sick - the cost of caring for others when you can’t care for yourself

Dr. Frances Jorgensen received an RRU SSHRC Institutional Grant to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on presenteeism (engaging in work while ill) and its effect on mental health.

While there is heightened concern about viral transmission when healthcare workers engage in presenteeism (engaging in work while ill), we argue that there may also be long-term consequences on employees’ mental health of when they feel obligated to show up to work when they are not well. To address this issue, we adopt a mixed-methods approach (survey/focus groups) to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on presenteeism, and how engaging in presenteeism during a pandemic may impact Canadian healthcare assistants’ mental health. Findings from the study are expected to be published in a top-tier journal as well as through publicly accessible media outlets.