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Being a frontline worker in a health emergency: Healthcare workers’ absences and health during the COVID-19 pandemic

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  • Gjefsen, Hege
  • Grøsland, Mari
  • Grøtting, Maja W.
  • Reme, Bjørn-Atle

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and absenteeism of healthcare workers. Our findings show an increase in sick leave due to non-COVID-19-related illness and mental health-related consultations in primary care. Additionally, we observe a rise in the use of prescription medications for mental health issues, though this result is less certain due to a shorter observation period. The adverse effects are particularly pronounced among lower-status occupational roles and in regions with higher infection rates. However, the moderate difference in effects across areas with varying levels of infection rates suggests that, beyond the direct impact of treating COVID-19 patients, stringent infection control measures may have contributed to the adverse effects. While these effects appear to be largely transitory, we estimate the cost of increased sick leave due to non-COVID-19-related illness among healthcare workers during the pandemic to be approximately 45 million EUR.

Suggested Citation

  • Gjefsen, Hege & Grøsland, Mari & Grøtting, Maja W. & Reme, Bjørn-Atle, 2025. "Being a frontline worker in a health emergency: Healthcare workers’ absences and health during the COVID-19 pandemic," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:96:y:2025:i:c:s092753712500051x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2025.102727
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