Hybrid working became the norm for a lot of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but figures suggest that employees are being negatively impacted by the flexible approach.
Despite having more time outside of work, and skipping the morning commute, statistics show that this kind of working is creating an anxious workforce.
Research carried out by workspace provider Fora shows that 51% of hybrid workers have taken time off work as a result of stress or anxiety in the past year.
When asked about their anxiety, 48% said they struggled with noise and distractions, while 29% said they worried about constantly being on show.
But this figure is concerning as more than a quarter of UK employees now work on a hybrid basis, and among these 80% reported experiencing anxiety since hybrid working became the norm.
Jennie Farmer, chief marketing officer at Fora, said:
“We know that workplace anxiety is a pressing issue in today’s professional landscape and these poll results serve as a reminder that our working environment needs to do more than offer a desk and chair, it needs to support our employees’ wellbeing.
“The research suggests that expectations of workspaces have changed; as workers have gotten used to a more inviting space while working at home during the pandemic, many have struggled to readjust when in a typical office environment, which lacks the enrichment needed to encourage innovation, creativity and interaction among employees.”
More than two-thirds of respondents said they noticed an increase in workplace anxiety among colleagues since the pandemic.
The research asked the workers how their office anxiety could be reduced, 40% said wellness spaces within the workplace would help them feel more at ease and 38% said modern facilities would help them feel supported,
Meanwhile, 61% said changes such as introducing more artwork would make the office feel more inviting, and 35% said mental health programmes could also help.
Further reading
Stress at work claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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Emma Piorkowska joined Oakwood Solicitors in October 2009 and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2013. Emma works in our Psychiatric Injury and Employment departments, specialising in Work-Re…
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