Workplace Measures Against COVID-19 and Mistreatment in the Workplace Among Japanese Employees

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify the COVID-19 infection prevention measures that are at risk of being perceived by employees as mistreatment in the workplace. Methods This study included full-time workers who enrolled as subjects in a nationwide prospective cohort study. Baseline surveys performed during the pandemic were used to identify the workplace measures against COVID-19. A tracing survey was conducted one year later to assess workplace mistreatment. Results Of the 18,170 participants, 276 judged that they had suffered mistreatment by the measures. “Enforcing daily temperature measurement” and “Stopping business trips” were associated with mistreatment. Meanwhile, “Requesting that employees refrain from going to work when ill” and “Restricting work-related social gatherings and entertainment” had the potential to reduce workplace mistreatment. Conclusions Certain measures against COVID-19 can reduce or increase the burden on employees.