According to a recent Kaspersky survey of over 4,000 IT workers, 59% of UAE workers report an increased workload with remote working. 24% claimed it was a significant increase, 29% did not notice a change, 9% reported a decrease in the scope of their work.
At the beginning of lockdown 82% of managers feared that rapidly increasing reliance on telework would lead to decreased productivity. 69% of workers claimed that remote work negatively affected their emotional state.
Many workers more tired and stressed
59% of UAE workers report increased workload with remote working , while 50% claimed that they were not any more tired by the end of a remote workday. 33% reported having more energy and 17% did not report any difference. In terms of emotional stability, 51% reported feeling more comfortable working remotely, or did not notice and increase in anxiety due to overtime.
However, 50% of workers were uncomfortable working away from their colleagues and claiming that they were more tired than before, with 33% reporting that working from home caused them anxiety.
A range of solutions
One solution to this problem is hybrid working, with a significant number (37%) switching to the model by mid-2021.
Corporate wellbeing practices are another approach and many businesses are using these practices to address potential burnout. Kaspersky and the Global Center for Healthy Workplaces proposed a range of measures to help remote workers:
Tackle underlying issues: Address the causes of burnout, including the balance of control and demand, management practices, predictability, social support and distribution of work.
Conduct research to ensure a consistent approach: Engagement surveys, psychosocial risk assessments, wellbeing surveys, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), sick leave, and stress surveys.
Be flexible: If possible, make hybrid arrangements available to staff.
Educate: Educate employees on basic remote work security to avoid the business becoming vulnerable to attack.
Digital Wellbeing: Help employees manage their digital wellbeing, through mindfulness courses.
