Study shows increase of physical and mental health problems due to lockdown

The first mental health survey of employees working remotely due to the coronavirus lockdown shows high levels of anxiety and physical ill health, including musculoskeletal issues and sleep problems.

The interim findings of a study by the Institute for Employment Studies shows half of all respondents (50 per cent) reported not being happy with their current work-life balance; a third (33 per cent) frequently feel isolated; over a fifth (21 per cent) are worried about job security, while just under half (41 per cent) said they had health concerns for family members.

The survey findings captured during the first two weeks of the ‘lockdown’  and shows a significant increase in musculoskeletal complaints. More than half of the survey respondents reported new aches and pains, especially in the neck (58 per cent), shoulder (56 per cent) and back (55 per cent), compared to their normal physical condition.

One fifth (20 per cent) of respondents admitted to an increase in alcohol consumption, while a third (33 per cent) are eating a less healthy diet and over half (60 per cent) acknowledging that they are exercising less.

The majority of respondents also reported a loss of sleep due to worry (64 per cent) and corresponding increased symptoms of fatigue (60 per cent) and nearly half (48 per cent) reported working patterns that include long and irregular hours.

Survey architect and IES Head of HR Research Development, Stephen Bevan said:  “These interim findings paint a picture of a new homeworking workforce that faces significant physical and mental wellbeing challenges.

“Employers need to recognise they are still responsible for the wellbeing of their staff, even when working from home, and there are a number of steps they can take to improve employee wellbeing.”

Based on initial survey findings, IES recommends that employers:

•        Make sure the home ‘office’ set-up is safe and ergonomic and that employees are mobile and take exercise.

•        Provide mental health support via informal messaging groups, virtual coffee mornings, access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and regular contact with management and colleagues.

•        Focus on ‘high risk’ groups by identifying employees with financial concerns, eldercare, those struggling to adjust, those prone to feelings of isolation and those at risk of domestic abuse.

•        Rethink performance targets and monitoring, involve employees in decisions about reorganising work and reallocating tasks and priorities.

The interim findings have been drawn from the initial 500 respondents to the survey. The IES Working at Home Wellbeing Survey remains open for the duration of April.

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