Essential but Ill-Prepared: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Mental Health of the Grocery Store Workforce

Abstract

Objectives Frontline essential workers face elevated risks of exposure to COVID-19 because of the interactive nature of their jobs, which require high levels of interaction with the general public and coworkers. The impact of these elevated risks on the mental health of essential workers, especially outside the health care sector, is not well studied. To address this knowledge gap, we examined correlations between perceptions of workplace risks and mental health distress among grocery store workers in Arizona. Methods We collected the first statewide sample of essential workers outside the health care sector focused on mental health and well-being. A total of 3344 grocery store workers in Arizona completed an online survey in July 2020. We used multiple regression models to identify demographic and work-based correlates of mental health distress. Results Levels of mental health distress among respondents were high: 557 of 3169 (17.6%) reported severe levels and 482 of 3168 (15.2%) reported moderate levels. Perceptions of workplace safety were strongly correlated with significantly reduced levels of mental health distress (ß = –1.44; SE = 0.20) and reduced perceived stress (ß = –0.97; SE = 0.16). Financially disadvantaged workers and employees aged <55 reported high levels of mental health distress. Perceptions of safety and protection in the workplace were significantly correlated with availability of safety trainings, social distancing, and policies governing customer behaviors. Conclusions Lacking sufficient workplace protections, grocery store employees in Arizona experienced high levels of mental health distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing clear federal and state policies to employers to guide implementation of workplace protections may help reduce sources of mental health distress.

The impact of workplace safety and customer misbehavior on supermarket workers' stress and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…, 2021), while coping with new and extreme workplace stressors (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020). Tasked with the unexpected responsibility of reducing possible health hazards for customers and coworkers, the stress and anxiety of frontline work has been substantial (Mayer et al , 2022; Bell et al. , 2021; Czeisler et al.…”

“…Supermarket personnel were required to take on additional roles to educate staff and customers as well as implement operational changes such as one-way traffic in stores and enhanced cleaning protocols (Shumsky et al, 2021), while coping with new and extreme workplace stressors (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020). Tasked with the unexpected responsibility of reducing possible health hazards for customers and coworkers, the stress and anxiety of frontline work has been substantial (Mayer et al, 2022;Bell et al, 2021;Czeisler et al, 2020). The impacts of these stressors are not yet well understood, emphasizing the need to track the well-being of this frequently overlooked socioeconomically vulnerable workforce, as the extant literature on COVID-19 exposure risks and health consequences among frontline workers neglects hazards specific to non-healthcare occupations.…”

Navajo Nation Stores Show Resilience During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…For example, among grocery store workers in Southern California, anxiety was common and associated with fear of COVID-19, stress, and concern for personal safety (Janson et al, 2021). Similarly, Mayer and colleagues found that approximately onethird of grocery store workers in Arizona had moderate to severe levels of mental health distress (Mayer et al, 2021). Stock-outs were also common early in the pandemic due to panic buying, a phenomenon not unique to Navajo communities (Li et al, 2020).…”

Public Health Reports in 2021: Impact Factor Increase and New Article Collections on Racism and COVID-19

“…Several COVID-19 articles published in 2021 were particularly noteworthy. For example, one article analyzed the effectiveness of the 6 most common social distancing policies in the United States during the pandemic’s early phase 21 (38 citations and 8965 views and downloads, as assessed on January 6, 2022), an article that reported high levels of COVID-19–related mental health distress among grocery store employees in Arizona 22 (5361 views and downloads), and a legal commentary on adolescent COVID-19 vaccine consent 23 (1296 views and downloads).…”