Approximately one-quarter (26%) of respondents believe that their employer is genuinely concerned about their wellbeing, according to research by Aviva.
Its Embracing the age of ambiguity report, which surveyed 2,000 employees working for organisations that employ over 1,000 staff, also found that more than two-fifths (43%) of employees describe their wellbeing as being less than good, and 84% would carry on working even if they felt unwell.
Just over half (55%) of employees believe that their employer is working hard to provide mental wellbeing support, compared to 38% of staff that said the same in February 2020
Among employees aged 18 – 25, 53% are most likely to feel some level of anxiety, compared to the national average of 34%. In addition, 17% rank their mental health as bad, compared to 11% across all age groups. Meanwhile, a quarter (24%) of the same age group think working from home makes them feel less connected.
Approximately half (53%) of staff prefer working remotely, however, 52% believe that the boundaries between work and home life are beginning to blur, compared to 12% that agreed with the same statement in February.
More than half (54%) believe that their organisation has worked hard to create a sense of togetherness for staff working remotely.. Furthermore, 45% agree that their organisation is creating the right atmosphere for employees to flourish, compared to 38% in February. However, just 15% think their employer is trying to understand what motivates them.
The report also found that just under a quarter (24%) believe that their employer is working hard to provide support and guidance for personal finance management, while more than a third (36%) believe the same for workplace pensions.
A quarter (25%) of employees feel unprepared financially for unprecedented events in the future, such as long-term illness, accidents, or being made redundant. This increases to 32% among staff aged 18-25. More than two-fifths (44%) of staff aged over 55 know how much they need to save to live the lifestyle they would prefer in retirement.
Additionally, almost four-fifths (78%) believe that they will have to work longer before they reach retirement, while only 28% know how much they need to save to retire and live the lifestyle that they want.
A third (33%) feel loyal to their employer, compared to 38% that said the same in February.
Professor Sir Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “As an academic, author and adviser, I have been promoting the importance of mental health and wellbeing at work for over 50 years and have noted the impact that ambiguity and uncertainty has on health, wellbeing and performance. Levels of uncertainty for employees have ebbed and flowed during my career, but this year has been different.
“Undoubtedly this includes a shift in the relationship between employers and their employees. A new partnership is required. One that recognises the immense challenges to employee wellbeing, as well as the need for more a personalised approach. We all have different personalities, different ways of dealing with pressure and different needs; knowledge is growing in this area.”
