A study of 2,000 workers found 32 per cent donโt feel motivated in their career and 18 per cent are dissatisfied with their quality of life at work.
Over the last 12 months, 64 per cent of the employees polled were based at home, resulting in 61 per cent of them working outside of their normal hours.ย And 40 per cent had to juggle caring for a child or family member at the same time.
Overall, job satisfaction has decreased 35 per cent in the past year, but 24 per cent said their relationships with co-workers had improved.
In the year ahead, 17 per cent admitted they will need help in adjusting to returning to the office, while 25 per cent want more assistance in managing their mental wellbeing.
Alisdair Seenan, HR Director at employee benefits specialist Edenred, which commissioned the study, said: โFor many, the last twelve months have been hard, both personally and professionally.ย There have been a lot more challenges which have impacted peopleโs work-life balance and how they feel about their job as a result.
There is an important challenge for employers in the year ahead supporting their workforce after long periods of working from home, addressing health and wellbeing, particularly during the first few months of the year.ย But this is also an opportunity for employers to excel and stand out and drive levels of engagement and performance as a result.โ
The study also found employees typically worked an additional seven hours a week this year โ four of those paid and three unpaid.ย But 25 per cent are worried about keeping their job while 27 per cent arenโt happy with their work-life balance.ย Another 16 per cent have concerns about their wages.
Despite the fears, 63 per cent felt they have received as much support as can be expected from their employer given the tough circumstances.ย This has led to 30 per cent now being more likely to stay working for the company, while a quarter are happier to go the extra mile.
Top areas in which organisations have taken steps to support employees through the pandemic were revealed as flexible working hours (28 per cent) and mental wellbeingย (26 per cent).ย But less than one in ten felt aided when it came to financial safety.
More than a third of those polled via OnePoll on behalf of Edenred have felt very supported by their colleagues and 31 per cent by their manager โ although only 16 per cent said the same about the HR policies.
Edenredโs Alisdair Seenan, added: โMental wellbeing is a key topic for people this year, due to the big changes in routine and daily working life.ย Itโs important for employers to know where staff need more support in order to retain employees.โ
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