From Invisible Workers to Pandemic Heroes but Still Struggling: Lower-Wage Hospital Workers’ Challenges Before, During, and After COVID-19

Although vital to the functioning of hospitals, service, clerical, and technical workers have been a largely invisible workforce. Like other lower-wage workers, these hospital employees have faced challenges making ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic likely aggravated these stressors, whereas pandemic relief policies may have mitigated them. Using data from surveys of unionized hospital service, clerical, and technical workers, we investigated changes in the number and types of material hardships and financial concerns before, during, and after the height of COVID-19. Material hardships and financial concerns were lowest during the pandemic period, though there were subsequent increases. Results suggest a positive, albeit short-term, impact of pandemic relief policies. Recommendations for social work practice and research are offered that build on these findings.