P-561 Time to Narrow the Gaps and Prepare Workplaces for Future Pandemics

Abstract Introduction The recent pandemic was destructive, not only in creating illnesses but changed how people live, work, and think. The once-familiar routines for workplaces changed dramatically and new ways of working and rendering services came onboard. Globally, fear, job insecurity, inaccessible services, exhaustion, moral injury, and exploitation, lead to mental health strain and stress. But amidst this global crisis, light was shed on challenges that were experienced, such as increased workload in overarching healthcare systems, and a need for global policies to be revisited, with improved working conditions, in the hope that it will address the gaps. It is time to prepare, protect and invest in workers to retain staff for the future. Methods A qualitative study of sixty open-ended questions and survey comments were used to obtain information from (218) healthcare workers about their experiences post-pandemic. The questionnaires focused on their mental health, tasks, and availability of support structures and guidelines. Results Overall, workers from industries expressed frustration, vulnerability, and mental and physical exhaustion due to employers both in private and government sectors exploiting and subjecting them to poor and unfair working conditions. More than 50% of these participants voiced the need for change in global policies and legislation that will result in better working conditions and create support systems that are accessible to all healthcare workers. Conclusions Post-pandemic, policymakers, and stakeholders need a new set of guidelines, with the objective of addressing the challenges that have been identified, beneficial to all people thereby leading to a satisfied and healthy worker in the workplace.