No way out for workers ‘trapped’ by Covid-19

No way out for workers ‘trapped’ by Covid-19

A summer of redundancy announcements and job insecurity means more people being forced to stay in roles they have outgrown or dislike.

Research carried out on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) among 2,000 workers has suggested one in ten employees are currently looking for a job move, despite the state of the employment market – the main reasons being boredom, poor relationships with colleagues and a lack of a sense of recognition for the work they do.

Another study by a health protection company among employees of SMEs in July has claimed that around 50% of employees plan to look for a new role ‘after Covid-19’. The research pointed to the lack of benefits offering among SMEs as a reason for the lack of engagement.

EAPA chair Eugene Farrell said: “We’re in a situation where a number of different tensions are bubbling under. Lockdown was alarming – but for many employees it also meant a break to routine, an easing of pressures and a chance to take stock. The return to work phase has been less a return to normality than moving to a very difficult new reality, more change, new burdens of responsibility. Old wounds are being exposed to even harsher conditions. 

“The risk is high levels of presenteeism; employees who see the ongoing crisis conditions as a reason for being unmotivated; and worse, more staff affected by physical and psychological illness and unable to contribute.

“The most resilient organisations will be those able to generate a positive sense of security, that problems of all kinds can be worked through. Even if their role doesn’t feel like the best for them right now, they’re not trapped, because they’re part of a community – supported by professional services like an EAP that’s with them every step of the way. Getting advice and support means being able to keep a sense of perspective and balance.”