New research from Grokker Innovation Labs has revealed an ‘alarming’ decline in workers’ physical health and wellbeing, for both remote and on-site staff in the US after a year of pandemic protocols.
Although a drop in activity for workers juggling family and work responsibilities while isolating at home was inevitable, a surprising number of those working on-site also reported that their job activities had become more sedentary since the start of the pandemic. As a result, both onsite and remote employees are increasingly experiencing insomnia, fatigue and lack of energy; along with aches, pains and digestive issues. Additionally, around 50% of employees report that their employers are not formally supporting their physical wellbeing, according to the study.
“Our research indicates that workers are struggling more than they’re divulging, with special concern about the physical toll on women,” stated Susan Van Klink, Grokker’s Chief Revenue and Chief Diversity Officer. Men are more than twice as likely than women to report that their physical wellbeing is “excellent” or to report that their physical fitness, nutrition, or sleep habits have improved. “And similar to our previous report on mental health, half of workers report that their employers are not offering any support for their physical wellbeing,” noted Van Klink.
WORSENING BURNOUT SYMPTOMS
Employees “overwhelmingly” reported an onset or worsening of illness/burnout symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, or lack of energy (55%), headaches or musculoskeletal aches and pains (35%), stomach aches, bowel problems, or other digestive issues (27%), heart disease or high blood pressure (14%).
The report also found that a number of workers’ daily practices are contributing negatively to their physical wellbeing. For example 48% reported an increase in the consumption of sweet and salty snacks and fatty foods; 55% revealed an Increases in video/TV watching and gaming; 25% Increased their use of substances; and 20% reported overworking.
“Companies should treat this research as a wake-up call. Workers are suffering; the conditions related to potential medical and burnout issues are on the rise; and the increase in negative behaviours is a clear risk to your bottom line in the future,” added Van Klink. “Now is the time to revisit your employee wellbeing programmes and ensure that workers are empowered to maintain and protect their health and wellbeing.”
Click here to download The 2021 Working Americans’ State of Physical Wellbeing Report. Data from a new study revealed that most company benefits schemes are deemed irrelevant for the majority of younger Generation Z employees, who prefer more wellbeing-related life-style benefits. Click here to read more.
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