On this episode of Reopening America, host Oscar Ramirez talks to The Guardian reporter Michael Sainato about the high levels of burnout essential workers are reporting during the pandemic. Early in the year, essential workers like frontline healthcare workers, grocery store and food service workers, and warehouse workers were hailed as heroes for risking Covid-19 infection to keep the country going. Many companies rolled out hazard pay and bonuses, and whole cities would cheer and clap for healthcare workers at shift change in viral videos. But by June, all that appreciation, from companies and citizens, seemed to be wiped out – but the coronavirus was not, and as workers trudge on, they’re experiencing more burnout and stress than ever.
Understaffing and underpaying workers was already a problem at most companies, but the pandemic led to even more labor shortages as workers got sick or took time off to keep family members safe. Panic buying at grocery stores, and higher demand for everyday items, led to heavily increased workloads. And constant cleaning and safety protocols add even more work. But these workers are also constantly concerned about the virus itself, worrying about getting sick or infecting others in their families. These constant stressors are taking their toll: Frontline healthcare workers report high rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia after dealing with heavy loss and working extended hours, and hundreds have passed away from Covid-19 themselves. And because elective surgeries were halted, many hospitals and clinics initiated furloughs, pay cuts, and layoffs “in the same industry where these workers are hailed as heroes, but not treated like that,” Michael says.
On top of that, workers are contending with companies making big changes that negatively impact their paychecks. For example, the Great Workplace program Wal-Mart began rolling out in 2019 consolidated many departments and eliminated lots of management positions. Workers were forced to apply for the new positions, and if they didn’t get them, they were relegated to an associate role, with hours cut from 35-40 down to 20. These workers “either have to leave, or try to find a second job, or make ends meet on a pay that’s already under $15 an hour, with reduced hours, and no security, no idea if it’ll get better or worse,” Michael points out. It’s really no wonder 58% of essential workers report burnout. Find out more about this essential issue on this episode of Reopening America.
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