Blue-Collar Work and the Mental Toll of Physical Labor

A report commissioned by the American Psychological Association revealed that a significant number of U.S. employees experienced work-related stress during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. While this stress affected all employees, blue-collar workers, such as those in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance, seemed to bear the brunt of it.

According to Amy Jenkins, the director of client strategy with theEMPLOYEEapp, blue-collar workers are often on the front lines, dealing with the direct impact of the pandemic and putting their health at greater risk compared to those working remotely from a desk.

Impact of COVID-19 on Blue-Collar Workers:

Jenkins believes that the pandemic highlighted the disparity between frontline workers and corporate employees in many organizations. Many companies didn't effectively address this gap or communicate with both groups of employees adequately. For example, while corporate offices closed, allowing employees to work safely from home, blue-collar workers were required to continue working in facilities, facing potential exposure to COVID-19 and subsequently risking their families' exposure.

Dan Kalish, the founder, and owner of HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, shares that many blue-collar employees they spoke with expressed anxiety related to the pandemic's impact on their stress and work. Unlike white-collar employees who could work from home, blue-collar workers often lost their jobs or contracted COVID-19 due to the inability to work remotely.

Impact of Physical Labor:

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, blue-collar workers faced a mental health disparity compared to their white-collar counterparts. Research has shown that blue-collar workers are more likely to be treated for depression than white-collar workers, with the physical demands of their jobs being identified as an independent risk factor for depression and anxiety.

Jordan Carlton Schaul, PhD, a systems coach and consultant with a background in public health, explains that blue-collar workers are often subjected to more health risks due to workplace environment disparities. Overcrowded factories, limited ventilation, and constrained personal space contribute to increased exposure to health risks and hazards.

While physical activity is generally beneficial for mental health, work-related physical activity may not have the same benefits as physical activity in other areas like leisure time. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that higher levels of work-related physical activity were associated with poor physical health and an increased risk of early mortality.

Post-Pandemic Life for Blue-Collar Workers:

As the country reopens, many blue-collar workers who were unable to work during lockdowns have the opportunity to return to work. While this presents a high demand for labor-intensive projects, concerns remain about the mental well-being of these workers, who may still be struggling with feelings of disposability from the pandemic.

To create a sense of normalcy and rebuild trust, organizations need to implement intentional strategies and communication efforts to address post-traumatic stress and create experiences that foster loyalty and long-term careers for blue-collar workers.

Supporting Blue Collar Workers in the Long Term:

Experts agree that there needs to be additional support and protections for blue-collar workers at both higher and lower levels. This includes additional unemployment benefits in times of crisis, safety requirements to ensure safe working conditions, and appreciation for the efforts of frontline workers who kept companies afloat during the pandemic.

Jenkins emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating the overall employee experience for all business sectors, ensuring that frontline and blue-collar workers are included equally. She hopes to see their voices brought into important conversations, with frontline managers receiving tools and resources to better support their employees.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide blue-collar employees with equal access to healthcare, vacation policies, family leave, and other benefits that address their basic needs, which corporate employees often take for granted.