Almost 4 in 10 UK workers would not be happy with government return to work instructions
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
A major study by King’s College London has found that 39% of UK workers would not deem it acceptable for the government to enforce a return to work. At least not until a vaccination for COVID-19 has been found, which still looks a long way off.
The study also shows that 86% of the population believes workers should have a choice about whether to keep working from home. It is another indication that the shift towards remote-workforces is set to continue long into 2021, which will impact the nation’s return to normality. As such, employers and employees alike will need to accept the changing face of business.
A Situation Borne From Genuine Concern
While some employers may fear that employees are taking advantage of the situation, there are clear suggestions that workers are concerned. Crucially, a separate study found that a colossal 24 million UK employees would be willing to take a pay cut to avoid public transport. The proposed pay cut of £2,665, or £222 per month, highlights how serious the desire to remain at home has become.
It’s a fair cause for concern too given the devastation that the pandemic has brought. The UK death toll is in excess of 41,000 while 322,000 cases have been confirmed. This is part of the 22.6 million worldwide cases, including 792,000 deaths. Critically, the UK R rate figure has climbed back up to over 1 as an upshot of the phased easing of the lockdown. The first wave is over, but the road to beating the virus weighs heavily on finding a cure or vaccine. The second wave looks very likely.
Until then, UK workers will continue to have apprehension in spite of the many precautions enforced by the government and employers. Social distancing, mask wearing, and anti-bacterial cleaning stations all reduce the risks. However, none of those preventive steps can match the safety benefits of working from home. As such, the pressure from employees to employers is set to remain.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The problems facing employers & employees
Working from home offers maximum safety for employees and helps employers maintain safe workspaces. Therefore, where possible, most companies should look to utilise the new way of working in at least some of their endeavours. As a large percentage of the workforce in related industries look to make this a more permanent fixture, the associated risks must be acknowledged.
Physical health risks related to the virus itself are greatly reduced, but overall wellness could suffer. This is naturally a major threat to employees, but could also harm businesses due to reduced morale. In turn, this could hit productivity levels, which subsequently harms the firm’s bottom line. So, it’s in the interest of all parties to respond in style.
In regards to physical health, encouraging more outside activity is vital. Adding a competitive nature with the help of fitness watches is ideal. Meanwhile, employees must be encouraged to take regular breaks from their screens to stretch their legs. From a mental perspective, video conferencing to facilitate some level of interaction between colleagues is crucial.
Perhaps the bigger dangers, however, stem from digital matters. Research shows that almost 1 in 4 UK workers require unauthorised devices to work from home. This is exacerbated further by a host of issues that can stem from poor password management and issues linked to home WiFi networks. With attacks happening every single minute, this is an issue that cannot be downplayed.
Businesses and workers find themselves facing new obstacles, and only a conscious effort can overcome them. Given the reluctance to resume work in a commercial setting, the right upgrades are essential. Aside from delivering better productivity and protection, it’s a step that delivers peace of mind during unprecedented times.
Image by Mudassar Iqbal from Pixabay
What about the lost workforce
Worker reluctance regarding the return to work is reflected by consumer opinions. Therefore, businesses will continue to take a hit in revenue while B2B work has slowed too. The harsh reality is that, with the furlough set to end within a matter of weeks, jobs will be lost. This is through a combination of firms needing cutbacks, and others simply going bust.
Either way, a growing number of employees are set to find themselves unemployed. It’s a situation that transcends the idea of not wanting to return to the workplace. However, anyone that finds themselves in this position may struggle to find work in traditional settings as a direct consequence. For many, finding alternative solutions will be the key to surviving this difficult phase.
The gig economy is set to take on an even greater role with people going freelance to land roles. Some will use it as a full-time setup. Others will focus on filling in the gaps left by enforced cutbacks in their contracted hours. Either way, it’s a model that can provide solace for both employers and employees alike. There is a huge expectation that its presence will continue to grow.
Furthermore, a growing number of individuals are looking at the prospect of side hustles. Knowing how to start an affiliate marketing blog or start an online business could pay dividends. Aside from the financial gains, it can offer full control over the future. This ability to start a new and exciting chapter is crucial for those hoping to turn negative circumstances into a positive outcome.
Research from the Bank of England has suggested that unemployment rates will hit 2.5 million during a second wave of COVID-19. Plenty more will encounter reduced hours or temporary breaks in their work while contractors will suffer unstable situations too. With the added pressure to resist enforced returns to the workplace in situations where working from home is viable, it could be a long road ahead.
The final thought
It’s a difficult time for workers across multiple business sectors. However, the pandemic has delivered a little perspective in the sense that nothing is more important than human lives. Anyone that can continue to earn money, even at a slightly reduced rate, from the comfort of their home should consider themselves quite fortunate.
