COVID-19 Pandemic's Effects on Occupational Health and Perceived Work Ability of a Large Group of Italian Banking Employees.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic compelled changes to the structure and organization of many occupational sectors that may impact workers' well-being and work-related symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the effects of workrelated modifications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational health outcomes and work ability (WA) among a large group of Italian banking employees. Methods: 2,859 employees visited during health surveillance in 2021 were divided into two job groups: front-office (FO) and back-office (BO) workers. Data on conditions associated with office work, psychological distress, WA, and fitness-to-work judgment were analyzed and compared with available pre-COVID (2018-2019) studies. Results: After lockdown, a 28% increase in asthenopia was found in BO, while a 22% and 9% increase in musculoskeletal symptoms was found in BO and FO, respectively. Moreover, a 28% rise in stress-related symptoms and a 17% increase in psychotropic drug consumption were found in both groups. After lockdown, the prevalence of WAI scores moderate/poor decreased by 17% in each group, but no evidence of significantly improved WA emerged for either group. Fitness-to-work judgment without limitations prevalence remained unchanged. Conclusion: The study showed a reduced prevalence of analyzed outcomes compared to that found in the literature at pre-COVID and post-lockdown evaluation. A slight worsening in all outcomes examined post-lockdown was also highlighted in our study. It can be speculated that these results are linked to the measures the Institute took to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, a comprehensive integration between occupational safety and health promotion practices is recommended to ensure the highest level of safeguarding for workers' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]