The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated a change in working practices, as a result, employees now show concerns for their mental health along with safety and stability. According to recent study, Hindsight 2020: COVID-19 Concerns into 2021, by The Workforce Institute at UKG – Burnout and concerns about job security and safety are weighing on workers.
The report states – 43% of the employees surveyed, reflect concerns about their organization’s ability to balance workloads to prevent fatigue and burnout as half of employees globally have been working either the same or more hours regularly since the start of the pandemic. Overall 59% of employees and business leaders say their organization has taken at least some measures to guard against burnout, though, 29% of employees wish organizations would act with more empathy.
This concern is equally shared between employees working remotely (43%) and those in a physical workplace (43%). More than a third of employees and business leaders (36%) are concerned about future layoffs and furloughs due to economic instability created by the health crisis – the report added.
72% of Indian workforce raised concern over their physical workplace while 58% of business leaders and employees claim that quick notification about confirmed COVID-19 cases in the workplace is their top concern.
The report also informs – Only a fraction of employees (20%) felt that their organization met their needs during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three in 10 employees and business leaders wished their organization better leveraged technology to provide flexibility, especially when the pandemic was at its most chaotic.
A third (36%) of employees and business leaders also complained that the initial pandemic response was too slow and wished offices closed faster and safety measures for essential workers were implemented sooner.
While the report reflects anxiety about various issues such as job security and safety, burnout and health, 33% of the employees globally also state that their organization’s reaction to the pandemic has strengthened the trust on the employer.
As companies eye the new world of work emerging from the pandemic, an approach that values an employee’s mental and physical well being would be beneficial for both the employees and organizations. Actions related to the preservation and protection of employees will be crucial for any organization’s reputation and will also be important for its ability to chart a path ahead.
-AK
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