We believe this research offers powerful information for organisations, firstly to increase awareness in this fast-developing area, but also to enable the improvement of existing workplace policies to primarily support employee wellbeing, and to ultimately improve job performance.
Employee wellbeing
The results from the study indicate that 59% of respondents often or always feel happy, with some respondents noting that working from home has had positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing as it has enabled them to re-address their work-life balance and, more generally their priorities in life.
However, these positive sentiments were not shared by the 41% who reported feeling unhappy or depressed most of the time, with personal needs being neglected in favour of work requirements.
An important research finding was that the wellbeing of those in the under 20s age category ranked 9.7% lower than the 21-30 age category, and 10% lower than the older age categories (31-40 and 41-50).
The qualitative study supported this finding, with potential reasons for lower well-being in the under 20s age category being explained by factors such as early career employees expressing a greater desire for in-person training and learning opportunities, as well as face-to-face interactions to develop their networks and relationships with colleagues.
Employee engagement
The survey found that 64% of respondents are enthusiastic about their job, 69% feel appreciated at work, and 66% are proud of their work; however, differences between early-career employees and more established employees were noted.
Engagement in the under 20s age category ranked 17% lower than the 21-30 age category, 18% lower than the 31-40 and 41-50 age category, and 22% lower than the 51-60 age category. Explanations in the qualitative study for this finding include early career employees preferring to be in close proximity to other colleagues where knowledge sharing and teamwork is encouraged, which in turn increases their motivation and engagement.
Technology as an enabler
Technology was seen as an enabler by 64% of the survey respondents, and the same number also indicated that technology is a key factor in terms of their productivity. Overall, hybrid working reduces distractions and commuting time, thereby increasing employees’ flexibility and productivity during their working day.