• Project number: F 2563
• Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Ongoing Project
• Planned end: 2026-11-30

Description:

Increasing numbers of people of working age have been affected by Long COVID. As a result, they may be incapable of working for extended periods or go back to their jobs with limited work ability. The complexity of the symptomatology of Long COVID, the unpredictability of its course and the risk of deterioration when stress limits are exceeded pose a challenge in treatment and workplace reintegration.

The research project "Return to Work after and with Long COVID" focuses on the experiences of employees returning to work after and with Long COVID as well as the companies they work at. It examines the challenges faced by the returnees themselves and the companies, how they cope with them and what helped or impeded their progress.

Given how little is still known about the topic, an exploratory research approach is being applied using primarily qualitative methods. Employees affected by Long COVID and managers who have already been part of the reintegration progress of employees will be questioned in semi-structured individual interviews. In addition, group discussions will be held with company actors experienced in supporting corresponding reintegration processes (e.g. OIM officers, company doctors, representatives for severely disabled persons).

The aim of the project is to provide a well-founded overview of Long COVID in occupational contexts and, on this basis, develop recommendations regarding the reintegration of people with Long COVID symptoms for workplace practice.