The Covid-19 global pandemic &

working from home

COVID-19 has required businesses to respond to this significant challenge by rapidly shifting to working from home (WFH). Remote working from home is a new experience for the majority of businesses, and a huge task for employers has been to ensure their employees remain;

engaged
physically and mentally well
motivated
connected

Having this in mind, we surveyed a total of 1,932 Allianz members. Many of those who participated in the survey are working remotely every day; in addition, many are working away from their home country for an extended period. With a combination of both traditional and new neurotech surveying, we have uncovered what these people are both thinking and feeling while adapting to their workplace changes.

The aim of our report is to educate, inform and outline opportunities where those WFH can be assisted to overcome the challenges they may be experiencing. In addition, it provides some key insights and aims to give leaders and decision-makers the ability to identify which areas of wellbeing their employees might need specific support.

Webinar - Covid-19 and mental health

Tune in to our expert panel talking about how mental health has been impacted by Covid-19, whether hybrid working has played a role and the practical supports that are available.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

How the shift to WFH has influenced participants’ overall wellbeing

The report’s analysis uses cutting-edge neuroscience to focus on six pilars of wellbeing and how the shift to WFH in response to COVID-19 has influenced participants’ overall wellbeing.

Sleep

Overall, participants who took part in the survey had positive associations with sleep while working from home, with the key takeaway being they are planning their sleep routine better.

Working remotely without a commute has allowed participants to have more time to invest in planning their sleep routine.

Life

Participants scored neutrally in the wellbeing area of life, however they indicated that they are feeling more isolated WFH.

With governmental guidelines urging people to stay home and self-isolate, it is no surprise that people are feeling isolated during this time, especially if they are away from their home country. However, there are ways to tackle these feelings of isolation and improve social connectedness.

download full report for tips

Mind

Overall, the mind pillar scored neutrally among participants.

While this survey was being conducted, traditional mental health coping strategies such as socialising, travel, sporting activities and shared leisure time were all severely restricted and it would be assumed that the WFH mind score would have been greatly improved if these were available and a pandemic was not affecting this population.

Work

The pillar of work had a neutral score among participants, with the main positive factor being that they feel well supported while working from home.

A supportive workplace, along with the ability to effectively support health and wellbeing, and effective regular communications, promote feelings of inclusion and social belonging.

Activity

Participants feel physically well when working from home.

This may be due to the fact that individuals are saving time without the commute to work, allowing them more time to exercise and get adequate sleep. These results show that participants are acknowledging that there has not been a significant impact on physical well-being.

Nutrition

Food was the lowest scoring pillar of wellbeing, suggesting that people are struggling in terms of their diet and food-related habits.

With the COVID-19 restrictions, including closure of gyms, a ban on sports and travel restrictions, it is more difficult for people to remain physically active in ways they typically would.

Food is a source of comfort in difficult times and it is therefore not surprising that people are over indulging.

Victims of the snacks and boredom. Are you one of them?

WFH has a negative influence on participants in terms of eating healthily and their body weight. There are many possible explanations for why people are struggling with their diet while WFH - snacks are more readily available, there aren’t structured lunch hours, and possible boredom due to lack of social contact. Want to know how to control your eating habits?

check our nutrition health guide

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

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A disconnect between awareness of mental health and willingness to use support services

New global research from Allianz Partners shows a disconnect between awareness of mental health and willingness to use support services.

View Press Release

International mental health survey report and infographic

Read full report

view infographic

Feel Good Food Video Series

Our recent Working From Home report found that nutrition was the lowest scoring pillar of wellbeing - suggesting that people are struggling in terms of their diet and eating habits.

To combat this, we’re introducing our Feel Good Food series! 3 wholesome, delicious recipes each day that will help you start your week off right and stay happy (and healthy!) throughout. First up to rid you of the Monday blues! You’ll find a butternut squash breakfast hash, some chicken noodle soup for lunch, and a warm dhal to round out your dinner.

Download our e-book filled with wholesome recipes for a Happy, Healthy Working Week

Monday

First up to rid you of the Monday blues! You’ll find a butternut squash breakfast hash, some chicken noodle soup for lunch, and a warm dhal to round out your dinner.

Tuesday

It’s Tuesday which means the week is now in full swing, but the weekend is still a little too far off. To keep you focused, why not start the day with avocado toast with chickpeas?

Wednesday

Whether you’re working from home or you’re in the office, these recipes will help you power through. Start the day a little different with some peanut butter energy balls for breakfast, followed by a colourful protein bowl for lunch.

Thursday

Because it’s Thursday, we’re cooking up some of our favourite classic dishes. Start with some rich congee for breakfast – described as ‘a hug in a bowl’.

Friday

Today’s recipes are our healthy take on some of your favourite treats to help you embrace that Friday feeling. Go all out with some banana and oatmeal pancakes for breakfast.

Download our full report and check the 7 steps plan to reduce COVID-19 related stress and anxiety

Download report

Download infographic

This report has been independently produced for Allianz Partners by Wrkit and Truth Sayers.

The report’s analysis uses cutting-edge neuroscience to focus on six key areas of wellbeing: mind, sleep, life, work, activity and nutrition, and how the major shift to WFH in response to COVID-19 has influenced participants’ overall wellbeing. With the standard cognitive survey, results combined with the data gathered through the implicit neuroscience method, this report was able to pinpoint striking insights into how participants are coping emotionally and psychologically while working from home.

This survey was launched on the 18th January 2021 and ran up until March 5th 2021. It provides a balanced and accurate sample and representation of how opinions to WFH have been influenced over time and during a global lockdown event.