Workplace Perceptions and Experiences Related to COVID-19 Response Efforts Among Public Health Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained many essential frontline professionals, including public health workers. Data from the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey provide insight into public health workers’ demographic characteristics and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 72% of respondents reported working fully or partially in a COVID-19 response role at any point during March 2020–January 2022. An estimated 44% of workers reported that they were considering leaving their jobs within the next five years for retirement or other reasons. When asked what was needed, besides funding, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, 51% selected additional staff capacity.