Workers' mental health suffering post-pandemic, survey says

Monday 06 September 2021

Professional services workers across Jersey and Guernsey are struggling with their mental health and work-life balance in the wake of the pandemic, the first ever Channel Islands’ Wellbeing Report has indicated.

The report was based on a 95-question survey completed by 691 individuals working in professional services across the Channel Islands.

Research was led by Dr Glenda Rivoallan from We Talk Wellbeing and Jenny Winspear from local change management firm Marbral Advisory. 

Pictured: Jenny Winspear and Dr Glenda Rivoallan led the survey.

The survey found that, while 64% of respondents had rated their mental health before lockdown at a 4 or 5 (5 being ‘best’), only 30% felt their mental health to be 4 or above now.

31% of participants said they didn’t feel positive about their future at work after the pandemic.

Meanwhile, nearly a third felt they were not coping, with almost half feeling they didn’t have work-life balance.

63% cited ‘work’ as one of their primary causes of stress, anxiety and poor wellbeing. 

In the UK, stress, depression and anxiety continue to represent significant ill-health conditions in the workforce, accounting for 51% of work-related ill health and 55% of working days lost in 2020, according to National Statistics. 

29% of respondents said they were ‘not sure’ or did ‘not agree’ that the organisation they work for takes action to prevent harm to employees from abuse, harassment, discrimination and violence, with 17 % saying they would not recommend their organisation as a great place to work. 

Out of these 17%, 87% did not feel valued at work, and 70% felt that employee wellbeing was not part of their organisation’s mission, vision and/or business objectives.

43% said they did not believe that senior leadership reinforced the importance of taking regular breaks and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Dr Rivoallan said the report has provided “vital data” for companies and organisations to use to improve corporate wellbeing. 

“We hope our research will help organisations to shape their strategy with people at the centre, through developing a deeper understanding of wellbeing requirements and aspirations in this emerging new working world,” she said. “We believe that happy, healthy and engaged employees, managers and leaders perform better, leading to increased productivity and innovation. This in turn, creates or strengthens dynamic, inspiring and sustainable organisations. Our findings demonstrate that if successful and positive culture change is achieved, the benefits to overall wellbeing can be monumental.”

Ms Winspear added: “Organisations that are ‘well’ perform better and there is extensive research correlating positive wellbeing with high performing organisations. 

“If the Channel Islands are to keep up with the UK and other jurisdictions in sourcing and retaining talent, focusing on wellbeing cannot be overlooked. By concentrating on wellbeing strategy and engagement and a healthier and more inclusive culture, we can improve the quality of working life for the individual and organisational performance for the employer."