New research has confirmed that UK workers are happier with their mental state as a result of the new way of working. Despite the well-publicised pandemic related mental health concerns, over a third of UK workers (34%) insist their mental health has improved.
The improvements are even more pronounced in those aged between 18 and 34, where over half (56%) have seen an improvement.
These results are part of an independent research report called ‘Changing behaviours of a flexible workforce in 2022 and beyond’ research, commissioned by Smart Locker Provider Velocity Smart Technology. The research investigated how offices will change in 2022 and how business leaders can support the future of IT support.
The ability to better juggle work and family life are likely to play a key part in this generation’s preference for a more flexible approach to work. Certainly, those who have returned to the office confirm commuting (23%) and loss of flexibility of the working day (20%) are the main challenges – especially for younger people.
Anthony Lamoureux, CEO of Velocity Smart Technology, said, “From walking the lock-down dog to managing side jobs and the new or rediscovered joys of taking time to be outside during the working day, substantial numbers of individuals now recognise the nonsensical nature of the old nine to five.”
Organisations have made a positive transition to accommodate employees’ needs over the past two years and appear to be more focused on employee well-being as opposed to equipment.
Almost two fifths (39%) provide options to seek mental health/ well-being support but businesses still seem to fall short at supporting remote workers outside of the standard office hours with only 28% providing out of hours IT support.
With more people working from home, this is becoming a much bigger problem. More than a third of employees said they’ve experienced more prolonged IT issues since they stopped working exclusively from an office.
Lamoureux adds, “Whilst businesses should definitely be giving themselves a pat on the back at how they have managed to adapt and support their workforces. They by no means should be kicking back and getting complacent.
As we all know, employees have more power than ever to turn around and walk out the door if they don’t feel happy, fulfilled and supported. Whether this is through mental health support, IT support, or even better – both. Businesses need to be focussed on enhancing employee experience overall.
The biggest problem with most IT resolutions, is that it’s a convoluted and time consuming process, especially now with employees spread out because of remote working. And this is only exacerbated when it involves a problem that can’t be resolved quickly.
Adopting new technology like cloud, mobile, machine learning and newer technology like smart lockers will all combine in the future to create a more modern, productive and profitable workplace that also increases employee engagement.
And it’s the business that acts first which will see the biggest benefits.” concludes Lamoureux.
