Return to office has impacted third of workers’ mental health

Today marks the three-month anniversary of Freedom Day when the government eased all coronavirus restrictions and employees were able to return to the workplace.

While the vast majority of employees (70%) feel safe since returning, 36.1% agreed that going into the office has affected their mental health.

CV-Library surveyed more than 3,000 UK professionals, 80.7% of which noted that the precautions their employer was taking to prevent infections spreading at work have reduced over the last three months.

In contrast, 19.3% revealed that restrictions have increased as more people have returned to the workplace.

The study found that the top changes employees have noticed in the workplace are:

1. More people in work (50.8%)
2. There’s a more relaxed atmosphere (34.9%)
3. People are less cautious around each other (30.4%)
4. Sickness levels have increased (18.3%)

Despite this, employees are still feeling vulnerable to catching Covid-19. Respondents shared the top ways they think they would catch the virus, with the workplace being considered one:

1. When socialising (30%)
2. When shopping (27.9%)
3. When at work (27.1%)
4. Being around school age children (12%)

Reflecting on the findings, Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, shared that there has been a substantial adjustment for workers, which likely would have impacted the mental wellbeing of many.

“In many ways, Freedom Day feels a lot longer than three months ago. The Ukraine war and the spiralling cost of living have taken precedent for many. However, there has been a big period of adjustment for UK workers and it’s reassuring to know that the majority now feel safe in their place of work,” he said.

“Whilst the Prime Minister feels that working from home ‘doesn’t work,’ these results prove that the benefits are significant for many, particularly when it comes to positive mental health. In all of CV-Library’s recent survey results the message is consistent and clear, and UK professionals appear in no hurry to return to pre-pandemic working patterns.” 

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