How the pre-pandemic worker could be different to the one that returns post-COVID
Totaljobs surveyed nearly 7,000 workers to get a snapshot of how they felt about returning to work after lockdown. It found that 60% of employees believe work will never be the same again. And a third felt that work-life had changed forever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Work from home requests
Joanne Cassidy, clinical occupational health manager at BHSF, believes employers should brace themselves for requests from workers wanting to work from home.
“Homeworking seems to have gone down well with employees during lockdown, with more than half of workers saying they would like to work from home if they had the choice,” said Cassidy. “Statistics have also revealed over 90% of employees believe they’re able to perform their job as normal from the comfort of their home.
“The thought of returning to what, before this pandemic, was our norm may fill people with dread.
“The key to a successful transition in returning to the office is giving the employee a choice.
“I believe businesses should entertain the idea of employees being able to work from home. And it can work, as the statistics highlight,” added Cassidy.
Mental health
Research has found that one in five people who are experiencing poor mental wellbeing said work is causing them the most stress in their daily lives.
More than a third (35%) of people are thought to be struggling with their mental wellbeing as a result of the pandemic, with many saying support from employers could help ease the stress they’re experiencing on a daily basis, according to findings from Benenden Health.
Tracey Paxton, managing director responsible for BHSF RISE and related services, believes businesses need to ensure employees have access to mental health services.
“Increase in demand for mental health support following the pandemic will require organisations to ensure their employees have access to support which provides the highest standards of clinical expertise and service delivery.”
Back into work
As employers consider how their employees can return to work safely, Cassidy argues that businesses must listen to their employees.
“It may be that employers have to consider showing a bit more flexibility post-COVID to help their employees settle back into their working environment, and consider staggered returns to work.
“Planning ahead and communication with employees is key to a smooth transition back to work, and employers who successfully handle this will be those who have maintained employee trust,” said Cassidy.
“Employees who have family members at greater risk from COVID-19 will understandably be concerned about returning to work. Hence the need for employers to give employees the choice of where and when to work.
“Employees also need reassurance that safety measures will be in place on their return to the workplace,” she commented.
“It’s the role of the employer to make sure workplace risk assessments have been carried out, develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures, and maintain physical distancing. Floor tape is a cost-effective way to visualise physical distancing guidelines,” she added.
Cassidy has also urged organisations to seek external support to make the transition easier for employees as they return to the office.
“Businesses may wish to reach out to occupational health providers for advice and support, and consider offering a test to their employees as they get back to work,” she concluded.
This article is provided by BHSF.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, BHSF
BHSF is a market-leading health and wellbeing provider.
