Recent research from Fora, London’s leading premium workspace provider, shows that four in five hybrid workers have experienced workplace anxiety since the start of the pandemic.
Such experiences may be one factor that helps to explain the UK’s continuing decline in productivity. The average hybrid worker missed six days of work in 2023 because of workplace anxiety, which led to a total of more than 28m days missed.
- Leading workplace behaviour psychologist Dr Craig Knight has six tips for employers who want to support their employees and minimise the lost time:Create an enriched environment, which includes elements like art and considered interior design
- Offer a range of spaces to suit different styles of work, and understand that not all work can be done in the same way
- Listen to employees’ opinions – you don’t need to implement everything that’s requested but it should all form part of the decision-making process
- Embrace the importance of recharging – a suitable space to get back in the zone after a big meeting can boost productivity
- Watch out for signs of workplace anxiety, which may be particularly prevalent after holidays or around important deadlines
Jennie Farmer, Chief Marketing Officer at Fora agrees: “We know that workplace anxiety is a pressing issue in today’s professional landscape. Our polling results serve as a reminder that our working environment needs to do more than offer a desk and chair – it needs to support our employees’ wellbeing. At Fora, we’re driven by the belief that when people feel empowered by their work environment, they deliver their best work, and by offering workplace experiences that cater to the needs of modern workers, we’re laying the foundations for a happier, more productive workforce.”For more information about Fora and how our solutions can help support individual workstyles, please visit www.foraspace.com.80% of us suffer from workplace anxiety: how can employers help?
