Monster Worldwide conducted a global Future of Work Survey and a series of polls that provide insight into what changes employers need to make to accommodate the evolving needs of the workforce.
According to the survey, 82% of recruiters have plans to hire, a glimmer of hope following a year of record-high job loss.
However, because of the worldwide societal transformation, companies will need to adjust their work arrangements to attract and retain the workforce.
“I predict that, despite virtual and flexible work options continuing to work for some sectors, we will see an increase to some approach to an in-person work environment, especially as the vaccines become more available,” said Scott Gutz, CEO of Monster.
The survey revealed that at the beginning of the pandemic, most employers felt that remote working arrangements would be successful. But a few months in, workers started to feel the burden of isolation and their productivity was impacted.
In fact, the research revealed that almost 80% of remote workers felt that stress and anxiety inhibited their productivity. Even more, 34% of employees expressed feeling burnout by May, with that number skyrocketing to 70% by July.
Along with hurting job performance, nearly half (46%) of respondents said they experienced job-related anxiety and/or depression last year.
It’s clear that the past year of precedence has had a negative impact on many, so employers need to have a headstart on reenvisioning their current benefits program to include more flexibility to improve work-life balance, resources to support mental health and more.