80% firms admit 2020 events affected staff mental health

Around 80% of organisations worldwide admit that employee mental health has been negatively impacted by 2020 events, according to new research. 

Yet just 61% of organisations are doing more to support employee mental health, confirmed a report carried out by employee experience agency Home with Inspiring Workplaces. The research also revealed that a quarter of organisations are having more diversity and inclusion conversations.

The Roundel 2021 report surveyed professionals at over 600 organisations worldwide, to identify how employees have experienced the world of work; and the changing practices and priorities of employers during the year in which everything changed. 

PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

With organisations grappling with some of the biggest challenges they have ever faced – from moving to remote working models to pivoting offerings to stay relevant – all whilst working from kitchen tables, bedrooms amid home schooling children; 2020 changed the employee experience like never before for the majority of staff. As a result, 91% of organisations are offering more flexibility in how, when and where work gets done, confirmed the study. 

Around 54% of organisations believe that this “increased flexibility” will be the biggest long-term trend to emerge from the pandemic. However, increased flexibility is not expected to have a negative impact on businesses in terms how we work together, productivity and culture.

IMPACT OF INCREASED FLEXIBILITY

For the majority of organisations (80%), increased flexibility has not hurt their businesses; with many reporting either “no impact”, or a “positive impact” on productivity, collaboration, innovation, empowerment, engagement and culture. According to the research:

• 87% reported either no/positive impact on empowerment. 
• 81% reported either no/positive impact on innovation. 
• 79% reported either no/positive impact on productivity. 
• 78% reported either no/positive impact on culture. 
• 77% reported either no/positive impact on engagement. 
• 71% reported either no/positive impact on collaboration. 

Commenting on the research findings, Home’s Co-Managing Directors Hattie Roche and Liz Clover, stated: “Today’s leadership teams understand that delivering exceptional employee experience is a critical business investment. So, as the new hybrid working models start to emerge in a post-pandemic future, we hope Roundel 2021’s data and insights inspires their community to build the right business case and strategies to design a different type of employee experience. One that will truly transform the world of work.”

Click here to download the report.

In fact, diverse staff are struggling the most in the pandemic and need more targeted support from their employers. Read more here.