55 per cent of UK workers are looking forward to returning to the office, but 41 per cent fear it will harm their health, according to research from Canada Life.
New research has found that 55 per cent of employees who expect to return to the office after working from home say they are looking forward to it and 63 per cent say they will enjoy the buzz of the office.
The study also revealed a mixed understanding of how returning to work will affect health. 44 per cent of employees who plan on returning to work believe it will improve their mental health, and 41 per cent fear it will harm their or their families health, even though 44 per cent of employees report feeling isolated while working from home.
54 per cent are concerned that colleagues will not take the same safety precautions, while more than a third (34 per cent) of employees who work from home would like their employer to ensure that all employees who use the office are vaccinated. Concerns about colleague interaction were highest among 18-34-year-olds, with 55 per cent worried about physically interacting with people and only 39 per cent of those 55 and older were worried.
The research also highlighted the top steps employees would like to see their employer take before returning to the physical workplace, and includes flexi-hours to allow for travel during off-peak hours – 41 per cent, partial and phased returns – 38 per cent, desk spacing – 36 per cent, ensuring all employees in the office are vaccinated – 34 per cent, and masks in communal spaces – 31 per cent.
Canada Life head of medical underwriting and claims Ian Ranger says: “Employees are clearly looking forward to reuniting with colleagues and returning to the office. However, there is a hangover from the pandemic that is clouding people’s outlooks. Employers must be considerate and work with their employees to help them transition back to the office with wellbeing at the centre.
“Clear return to office policies which are mindful of all views will be crucial for a successful reintroduction of colleagues to the workplace. Signposting support services can help with mental health and wellbeing and should be part of the journey.”
