New research published by Hays Ireland shows that over three-quarters (76%) of Irish employees believe their employer has a responsibility to provide wellbeing support to employees during the coronavirus pandemic, yet less than half (45%) of employers currently provide such supports.
Hays Ireland surveyed 1,700 people across Ireland, examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on employee wellbeing and explores how employers can take steps to support their workforce.
The research found Irish employees want to see their employers show leadership and reassurance during this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. However, two in five (40%) employees feel that their employer’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has been “okay” to “poor”.
The research suggests that although over two fifths (41%) of employers say the communication aspect of their organisation has had the most change since the coronavirus pandemic, communications is the main area employees (50%) believe their employers should improve in. This is followed by improvements in strategy and planning (16%) and remote staff management (14%).
According to the research, almost 40% of employees rate their current work-life balance as “average” or “poor”, with a lack of social interaction being the greatest challenge to their overall wellbeing (31%).
Over half of employees (59%) say job security has become more important since the coronavirus restrictions, with almost half also stating that work-life balance (49%), mental health support (49%), the work support network (48%), and physical health support (46%) has become more important as well.
Hays’ research suggests that the most prominent supports offered by employers promoting employee wellbeing include professional training, social activities, online doctors, and exercise initiatives.
The most in-demand wellbeing supports listed by employees include a greater focus on communications (41%), professional training (21%), and support services such as online doctors or counselling services (18%).
Almost one third (30%) of employers think the greatest challenge when transitioning back to workplaces will be establishing remote working agreements with their employees.
Commenting on the report, Director of Hays Ireland, Maureen Lynch said, "The coronavirus has changed the way we work and how employees perceive the workplace. This presents challenges and opportunities for employers, who must now adapt to new ways of working and better understand their employees’ motivations. On 10 August, we will see the final phase of the re-opening of the Irish economy and more specifically, the re-opening of office buildings across the country."
She added, "We’re seeing some employers already making changes. Less than a fortnight ago, Twitter committed to making its current remote-working practises available to staff on a permanent basis. This move is a recognition of the positives that have emerged from this new mode of working, including improved employee wellbeing and, for the employer, new ways of achieving optimum productivity."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
