An estimated 59% of workers in ‘deskless’ industries, including manufacturing, believe the ongoing effect of the pandemic is having a negative impact on operations
This is a challenge which, left unaddressed, could have harsh consequences for UK industry.
The research, which was conducted by Cloud Assess, also analysed the specific policy changes that are driving these ongoing challenges. It found that 85% of businesses adopted new policies for their deskless workers as a result of the pandemic, 80% of which are continuing some of these practices today.
The new policies which are most likely to have continued include calls hosted on Zoom, online training, fewer meetings, and fewer site visits from management. Some of these changes are supported by workers. However, almost two-thirds of businesses also stopped some activities entirely because of the pandemic and have not resumed them since, leading to dissatisfaction and concern amongst employees.
The activities that are most likely to have been dropped include in-person meetings and training sessions. The research found that many workers would like to see these activities return, suggesting a strong demand amongst employees for vital face-to-face contact with team members to resume.
In-person training was found to be the activity that most workers would like to see resumed. This is no surprise, given the huge impact the pandemic had on training provisions in businesses across the UK. In fact, almost three quarters (73%) of the employees researched claim that the training they are offered by their employer has been affected by the pandemic.
Over one in 10 even stated that they feel less valued by their employer as a result of the move towards online training.
Rob Bright, CEO and Founder of Cloud Assess, comments: “Whilst the pandemic did lead to positive changes for some businesses, our research shows the extent to which deskless industries, in particular, are being held back by lockdown hangovers. Clearly, UK industry is facing a major challenge when it comes to staff engagement and satisfaction, with many craving in-person interactions which employers have failed to resume since the pandemic.”
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