Teleworking employees want to know their employer's position: survey
The COVID-19 pandemic has democratized telecommuting so much that many workers say they're thinking of not going back to the office -- if their employers will allow it.
Jonathan Anestin, an account manager for a technology company in Ohio, U.S., joined his new, remote team in August 2020.
Though he says he wasn't specifically looking for a job that would allow him to work from home full-time, he says he now enjoys the lifestyle and understands why some workers are apprehensive about returning to work in person.
The young father, who used to get up between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. to arrive at work by 9 a.m., says he happily traded the hours lost in traffic and the rush to get kids to daycare for the flexibility he's gained in the past year.
"Now, if you asked me to go back to the office, I don't know if I could do it," he said.
However, a lack of clarity around the terms and conditions of returning to work post-COVID-19 is making some workers anxious about returning to the office.
Employees whose organizations have not provided detailed information about future strategies for telecommuting say they are more likely to doubt that they will be able to continue working from home.
These people are also more concerned about returning to the office, according to findings from a survey conducted by LifeWorks, a wellness solutions firm formerly known as Morneau Shepell.
The survey was conducted online between May 28 and June 4 among 3,000 Canadian respondents.
According to the survey, one quarter (25 per cent) of employees have no idea what their organization is planning and 12 per cent do not believe their employer has a plan.
That means 37 per cent of employees surveyed still don't know what they're doing with five weeks to go until September -- the time many employers are targeting a return to the office.
More than one-third (38 per cent) of employees surveyed expect their boss to demand they return to the office.
Only six per cent believe they will be able to choose where they work. These employees reported a significantly better 'mental health score' (-6.0) compared to the general population (-10.7), using a monthly mental health index that LifeWorks has been working on since April 2020.
In June, the Mental Health Index was nearly 11 points below the pre-2020 baseline score.
The data indicate there are some concerns among those surveyed that they will be forced into a directive or denied a hybrid model by their employer, despite public support for telecommuting that has been widely documented in recent months.
LifeWorks' vice-president of sales and customer success, Lisa Angeloni, says there is a lack of information for employees about the various options.
"There's clearly an anxiety that's caused perhaps by a lack of communication or clarity about the return-to-work plan," she said, pointing out employers would be well advised to share their intention as soon as possible to avoid uncertainty.
This would also contribute to a greater sense of well-being and security, Angeloni says.
The firm says evidence suggests that workers whose employers demonstrate greater flexibility are more likely to be mentally healthy, motivated and productive.
Angeloni points out, according to other surveys the firm has conducted, a large majority of employees would like to continue telecommuting.
That's why she says LifeWorks believes companies must listen to employees' needs, especially during a labour shortage where people can choose to move to a place that guarantees more flexibility.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 23, 2021.
-- This article was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Grants.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.