Hybrid Working 2023 - Anxiety and Lost Days
Published by Campbell M Gold in Misc · Tuesday 05 Mar 2024
Tags: Hybrid, Working, Anxiety, Issues, Lost, Days, Stress, Workdays, 2023
Tags: Hybrid, Working, Anxiety, Issues, Lost, Days, Stress, Workdays, 2023
Hybrid Working 2023 - Anxiety Issues and Lost Days
During 2023, half of hybrid workers took time off due to stress or anxiety...
London workspace provider Fora conducted research which revealed that in 2023, half (51%) of hybrid workers have suffered from stress or anxiety, causing them to miss an average of 6.1 days each from work.
Based on a survey of 1,030 UK hybrid workers, the report estimates that this resulted in 28.6 million missed workdays in 2023.
It was found that more than a quarter (28%) of UK employees now work on a hybrid basis. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began and hybrid working became more common, 80% of the employees reported experiencing workplace anxiety.
The survey also showed that 48% of the respondents struggled with noise and distractions as a cause of workplace anxiety, while 29% were constantly worried about being observed.
Furthermore, over two-thirds (68%) noticed an increase in workplace anxiety among their colleagues since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study suggests that providing access to workplace wellness spaces (40% of respondents) and implementing mental health programs (35% of respondents) could help reduce employees' anxiety.
Additionally, 38% of the respondents believed that modern facilities and 61% thought incorporating more art into workplaces would create a more inviting environment and reduce anxiety.
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’ well-being.
“The research suggests that expectations of work-spaces have changed; as workers have gotten used to a more inviting space while working at home during the pandemic, many have struggled to readjust to a typical office environment, which lacks the enrichment needed to encourage innovation, creativity, and interaction among employees.”
Summary
Hybrid workers face specific anxiety-related issues:
- Isolation and Loneliness: Many hybrid workers feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- Work-Life Balance: The blurred boundaries between work and home life can make it difficult for employees to switch off, leading to burnout and increased anxiety.
- Increased Mental Health Symptoms: Studies have shown that hybrid workers experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to those who work entirely in-person.
- Pressure to Perform: Hybrid workers may feel the need to constantly prove their productivity and commitment, leading to stress and anxiety.
- Adapting to Change: The constant shift between remote and in-office work can be psychologically taxing, causing emotional exhaustion and anxiety.
Hybrid workers face specific mental health challenges:
- Anxiety and Depression: Research studies have found that individuals who work in a hybrid setting, combining both in-person and remote work, are more likely to experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression compared to their counterparts who work exclusively in a physical office setting.
- Isolation and loneliness: The reduced frequency of in-person interactions may contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on mental well-being.
- Burnout: Moreover, the blending of work and personal life in a hybrid work arrangement can make it challenging for employees to disengage from work, leading to burnout and heightened stress levels. The constant transition between remote and in-office work can also take a toll on individuals, leading to emotional exhaustion and a potential decline in mental health.
- Work-Life Balance: In addition, maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes a significant challenge for hybrid workers, which can further exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.
These challenges highlight the importance of supportive measures and mental health resources for hybrid workers.
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