While many workers have found the home working experience during the pandemic to be positive, significant numbers have experienced work intensification and stress over the past year, finds a survey of over 3,000 workers by the Scottish TUC (STUC).
The STUC released findings of the COVID-19 and working from home survey undertaken by Strathclyde and Manchester universities.
The study reveals a very mixed picture, with winners and losers over the past year. There are widely differing views about more permanent working from home (WFH) arrangements post-pandemic.
STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said experiences of WFH and attitudes toward future homeworking are very varied, and she warned against blanket changes to work arrangements.
The key here is that many workers are positive about some degree of future home working, but surely this must be optional, flexible and only undertaken by negotiation.
Professor Phil Taylor from Strathclyde University said while there is a majority preference from workers of wanting to spend two or less days in the workplace, there is also compelling evidence that WFH is not desirable for a significant minority.
I am sure many people in many industries can relate to this, where there are inadequate domestic workstation arrangements, space constraints, compromised work-life balance, gendered experiences of domestic and household burdens.
Also there are those who have to go into the workplace and maintain that contact with work colleagues, but those who do WFH often suffer loneliness and isolation which can have an effect on personal mental health.
Perhaps a more balanced approach is required as we go forward with more eased restrictions throughout the country.
Rodney Sadd
Crowland
Tu Delegate for the South Holland & The Deepings
