According to a new survey sampling 1,000 adult employees and carried out by YouGov for the CIPD, 44 per cent of employees stated that they felt anxious about returning to their workplace because of the health risks posed by Covid-19 both to them and those close to them - whilst 37 per cent disagreed that they were anxious about returning.  

With regard to commuting to work – in general, 31 per cent were anxious about travelling, against 54 per cent who stated that they were not anxious about the commute.  London based employees had far more concerns about their travel than those in other parts of the UK, with 52 per cent saying they were anxious about commuting to work because of COVID-19.  In addition, their commutes are often longer.

The CIPD called for employers to ensure that all employee concerns are addressed when normal working is resumed – and for the government to recognise legitimate employee concerns in its guidance.  

Peter Cheese - Chief Executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development - said:

“The Government’s draft employer guidance on working safely during COVID-19 does not sufficiently recognise that many individuals will not feel safe enough to return to the workplace due to concerns for their own safety or others they are close to. Returning should be mutually agreed and employers should go out of their way to ensure individuals’ concerns are addressed. Employers must bring people back gradually, when required, and learn from each person’s experience, building employees’ trust in the business to treat them well. 

The CIPD also wants employers to understand and be prepared that this guidance will really test their legal duty of care to keep workers safe from physical harm and the need to continue to meet individuals’ employment rights. This phase for employers will be unique and more complicated to navigate than lockdown as there will be many judgements to make, all that will need to have people at the centre.” 

Louise Aston - Wellbeing Director at Business in the Community (BTC) - said:

“Although there is widespread unease about relaxation of lockdown - particularly with people who have underlying mental health conditions, including OCD and anxiety, BITC recommends that all employers prepare employees for a healthy return to work, providing confidence and assurance that it’s safe to return.”

Emma Mamo - Head of Workplace Wellbeing at mental health charity Mind - said:

“Employers are understandably keen for more guidance on how exactly to manage employees returning to work and we hope this will be forthcoming.”