Anxiety, stress levels soar while job satisfaction falls

Many workers in the U.S. are experiencing a drop in excitement for their work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than a third say that their career motivation (39 per cent), job satisfaction (38 per cent) and productivity (37 per cent) have all gotten worse, along with work-life balance (35 per cent).

Also, many workers are experiencing burnout amid the COVID-19 pandemic, finds the survey by international phone service company TollFreeForwarding.

Around half say that anxiety (53 per cent), stress (51 per cent) and frustration (50 per cent) at work have all increased due to the ongoing health crisis.

Also, two in five say they have experienced worse depression (44 per cent), fatigue (42 per cent) and exhaustion (41 per cent).

And women seem to be experiencing a tougher time than men:

• anxiety (56 per cent for women, 50 per cent for men)
• frustration (54 per cent for women, 46 per cent for men)
• fatigue (44 per cent for women, 39 per cent for men)
• exhaustion (43 per cent for women, 38 per cent for men)

More than four in 10 (44 per cent) also say their sleep has gotten worse, found the survey of 2,000 U.S. employees.

A little over half (51 per cent) of American workers are feeling less connected to their company culture while working from home, according to a separate survey by TELUS International.

Solutions

However, 37 per cent of workers do not think their organization is doing enough to support them through the crisis, finds the TollFreeForwarding survey, particularly healthcare workers (48 per cent), transport workers (44 per cent) and retail workers (41 per cent).

Also, many remote workers do not have the tools they need to be comfortable working from home, according to a report by the University of Cincinnati.

Employees are asking for their employers’ support amid this difficult time, finds TollFreeForwarding:

• 42 per cent want their employers to implement a culture that supports work-life balance
• 32 per cent want increased communications and mental health support
• 27 per cent want consistent feedback
• 27 per cent want employers to educate them with mindfulness techniques

Randstad Canada shared some ways employers can help out their workers with work-life balance while working from home:

• Prioritize flexibility for some workers.
• Have set work hours for some workers.
• Trust your employees.
• Minimize communications outside of work hours.
• Encourage defined workspaces.
• Promote wellness.
• Communicate often.