Despite the many challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought in recent months, 78% of UK workers said they currently have good job stability (vs 70% in January), 74% have a good work-life balance, up from 69% in January, whilst 90% have maintained good relationships with colleagues (vs. 86% in January) and 82% with supervisors (vs 74% in January).

New research from global health service company Cigna Europe has revealed that working from home during lockdown has increased overall job satisfaction, improved work relationships and is reducing work-related stress among UK workers.

The Cigna COVID-19 Global Impact Study also unveils a drop in Brits’ work-related stress, with 68% currently suffering from stress compared to 78% at the start of the year.  51% of people agreed that working from home and using technologies to communicate has streamlined processes (vs. 12% who disagreed), whilst 61% feel they have had opportunities to learn and grow during the pandemic (vs 53% in January).

“The shift to remote working has been one of the most significant changes brought on by the COVID-19 lockdown”, said Arjan Toor, CEO, Cigna Europe. “UK workers reported that working from home has improved their work life, indicating that working routines are likely to change permanently once lockdown ends. Whilst there is no doubt the pandemic has brought significant stress and challenges to us all, it is encouraging to see that people are more satisfied with their work well-being during these times.”

The demand for virtual health has grown rapidly across the globe since lockdown began. In the UK alone, over half (52%) say they are likely to choose virtual health appointments rather than face to face ones, 43% would choose virtual health in place of general health support, such as GP appointments, whilst 30% said they would use it for mental health support.

Toor continued: “Since January, the number of virtual health appointments attended by our customers across our international markets business has increased 6-fold, from 233 in January to 1,438 in April, and we believe this is a permanent shift.  We are investing in new, integrated health solutions that help people manage their health, both mind and body, and provide treatment when and where it is needed.”