Well-being at work, productivity, and coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the mechanisms through which the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on well-being at work and on productivity. The secondary objective is to identify stress management strategies for the work environment during the pandemic. This is an integrative review. Phase 1 consisted of searches of open access electronic databases (MEDLINE, SciELO, Bireme, and LILACS) for papers published in 2020 addressing mental health, work, and pandemics. Phase 2 consisted of selecting literature recommended by specialists in occupational psychiatry and positive psychology. These materials were read and critically analyzed. Forty references were included in the literature review. The articles reviewed were classified into the following categories: articles concerning work relationships in Brazil; articles describing the impact of pandemics on mental health and work; articles focusing on the work of health professionals during pandemics; articles about well-being at work; and papers proposing strategies to improve well-being and productivity and to promote mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on workers’ mental health and productivity. Most professionals face a need to adapt to changes, which can decrease their feeling of well-being. Consequently, strategies to promote well-being and mental health in the work environment should be a priority. Work routines were modified after the COVID-19 pandemic set in and assessing these changes is essential to maintain workers’ mental health. By so doing, it is possible to promote general well-being and post-traumatic recovery and reduce stress levels.

Occupational health: the role of demographic factors in the condition of increased risk

“…At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many researchers assumed that it will cause mental health problems more frequently than usual and that will have effects on the different life circumstances even after the crisis ends. This paper specifically deals with the mental health in the occupational context, because previous research has shown that mental health issues among the employees are the most common causes of negative organizational outcomes such as lower productivity [13,27] and higher rates of absenteeism [14] that may cause economic costs. The results of this study have confirmed that employees from the Serbian sample are facing mental health issues during uncertain times [8].…”

“…This paper specifically deals with the mental health in the occupational context, because previous research has shown that mental health issues among the employees are the most common causes of negative organizational outcomes such as lower productivity [ 13 , 27 ] and higher rates of absenteeism [ 14 ] that may cause economic costs.…”

“…The occupational environment is a specific context where mental health issues of the employees may cause lower productivity [ 13 ], and higher rates of absenteeism [ 14 ]. The results of the previous study have shown that female employees are at higher risk of mental health problems under uncertain circumstances than male employees.…”