The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales is encouraging research into the impacts of homeworking on people’s wellbeing – a year on since the pandemic began.
The proportion of workers reporting that they worked exclusively at home in the UK rose from 5.7% immediately before the spring lockdown to 43.1% in April 2020.
In Wales it increased almost ten-fold, leaping from 3.8% to 36.8%.
Now, the College is supporting research work by Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Cymru, who delivered the National Video Consultation Service in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Researchers are keen to find out about the impacts of homeworking to ensure people maintain a healthy work life balance, post-pandemic.
This follows the Welsh Government’s stated ambition for 30% of the workforce to regularly work remotely.
Individuals and businesses are being encouraged to think about how they want to ensure a healthy work life balance through completing the online survey called Remote Working, Pros, Cons and Ideal Model, which is open online now.
Professor Alka S Ahuja MBE, RCPsych Wales said:
“We are encouraging as many people and as many organisations to complete the initial survey, and to promote wherever possible.
“We know the impacts that different working arrangements have had on individuals throughout the pandemic, people and organisations have had to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances. This is about understanding and informing decisions once the pandemic has passed.”
Lead researcher on the project, Gemma Johns from TEC Cymru, said:
“The outbreak of Covid-19 has changed the way we work and from the first lockdown, homeworking has increased dramatically.
“We’re keen to know how this has affected people. Some might have enjoyed it and felt less stressed while others may have felt cut off from colleagues.
“It’s important we get a true picture to inform how we shape our working lives in the future.”
To assist individuals who are currently working from home TEC Cymru have developed guidance for home working. This encourages workers to:
- Maintain a good routine.
- Make a list of things to do each day.
- Get good exercise – go out for a walk.
- Make sure you stay connected with friends and family.
- Take a break from social media.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet and avoid alcohol.
Notes to editors
Link to survey: Remote working: pros, cons and ideal model survey
More information on how to maintain a good work life balance.
About the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- We are the professional medical body responsible for supporting over 19,000 psychiatrists in the UK and internationally.
- We set standards and promote excellence in psychiatry and mental healthcare.
- We lead, represent and support psychiatrists nationally and internationally to governments and other agencies.
- We aim to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness, and the mental health of individuals, their families and communities. We do this by working with patients, carers and other organisations interested in delivering high quality mental health services.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: laura.varney@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: Press Officer Laura Varney