BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for health workers worldwide. While previous studies have primarily focused on acute COVID-19 symptoms, limited research has explored the long-term impacts on the work ability of health professionals. This study aims to identify determinants influencing the work ability of health and social services workers with work-related COVID-19 infection in Germany, with the aim of developing hypotheses for future studies.

METHODS

Data from a quantitative longitudinal study involving 1,300 health and social services workers in Germany were analyzed. The Work Ability Score (WAS) was used to assess participants’ work ability.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 75.2% reported experiencing post-COVID symptoms, and 51.3% had low levels of work ability. Several factors such as obesity, severe acute memory and concentration problems from the initial phase of COVID-19, post-COVID symptoms, and pre-existing psychological conditions were associated with reduced work ability. Conversely, medical and therapeutic staff had better work ability levels than nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions such as rehabilitation measures and workplace adjustments are needed to mitigate these effects and improve the long-term occupational resilience of healthcare workers affected by the consequences of COVID-19.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-12938-9.