Impact of COVID-19 on labour force and recovery peculiarities in selected countries of Europe

Abstract

In this paper, we have examined the impact of COVID-19 on labour force and recovery peculiarities in selected countries of Europe. Our goal has been to reach patients with post-COVID-19 or long-COVID-19 symptoms who were treated since 2020 and latest 2021 in different medical spas around Europe. Our research focused on whether work affects any aspect of life during illness and whether complaints experienced during post-COVID-19 treatments affect any aspect of life during illness. To achieve our results, we used quantitative research and tested two hypotheses. Our primary survey was conducted in May-June 2022. A total of 110 valid responses were received. The data collected through the questionnaire was examined using statistical analysis and calculations – descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, linear regression analysis. All the respondents had COVID-19 positive test results in their life and attended post-COVID treatments in different medical spas in Europe. The results showed that coronavirus symptoms (post- or long-COVID-19 syndrome) were most likely to interfere with social and leisure activities and work. Well-being and pain need improvement. Improvement is possible with spa rehabilitation packages offering complex interventions such as balneotherapy (which uses local natural resources such as natural healing water, peloids, mofette), climatotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. Working during illness has a significant impact on quality of life. It also has an impact on daily activities, mobility, and pain. Working during illness (COVID-19 infection) affected all aspects of life, and patients perceived that illness-related disturbances mainly affected work performance.