A survey following the second lockdown shows less people in the UK are confident about a safe return to the office.
Conducted by Censuswide Research in late November on behalf of Aviva, the poll involved 2,012 employed adults – only 42% of which feel positive about going back to their work premises, with 58% of those who have not been on-site during the most recent lockdown expressing confidence about their employer ensuring workplace safety.
Back in June, the respective percentages in Aviva’s Employee Back to Work Index were 49% and 61%.
“As we approach the end of a very difficult year, we must remember that dealing with the impact from COVID-19 will extend over a much longer horizon,” said Patrick Tiernan, managing director of UK commercial lines and GCS (global corporate & specialty) at Aviva.
“What began in March as a fundamental change to how we all work has, largely, been accepted as ‘the new normal’. Businesses will have to continue to practice good risk management to minimise the spread of the virus and keep us all safe.”
Tiernan stressed the importance of providing adequate refresher training to those who are returning to the workplace after a period of absence, as well as making sure that they understand the COVID-19 safety procedures. The new ways of working, according to the MD, have brought with them corresponding new risks.
Aviva’s survey found that 32% are worried they might contract the virus through their colleagues while 26% have the same concern towards customers. In June, the percentages were 44% and 33%, respectively.
Meanwhile 50% of those polled in November said they felt upbeat about the impact a COVID-19 vaccine would have on their ability to return to working normally.
“News of a vaccine gives us reason to look forward with great hope for a much brighter 2021,” said Tiernan. “However, we must retain the agility we have shown this year to prepare for and react to the unexpected.”
