Working from home negatively impacts most Singaporeans' productivity

Research reveals the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on employees.

The shift to working from home is affecting Singaporeans productivity as only a third of the respondents said they feel more productive since they started working from home, according to a Qualtrics study. About 65% and 64% stated that their anxiety and stress levels rose, respectively, as workers adapt to new normal.

In addition, 26% felt that their mental health has deteriorated, this falls to 22% when narrowed down to people working from home. The top five reasons given by all respondents for this are stress (25%), anxiety (22%), being worried about their job (19%), feeling fatigued (7%), and working from home (6%).

The research also gives insight into uncertainties with 68% of respondents worried that they will lose their jobs, whilst only 13% are confident in their employment. Other consequences that the respondents stated are having too many distractions, difficulty focussing (both 11%), feeling isolated (10%), interruptions from children (8%), and feeling less productive (8%).

On the other hand, 35% of workers said their mental health has improved over the last few weeks as they feel less stressed in working from home. Respondents stated that saving time (22%) and money (13%) commuting are the two best things about working from home. Having a flexible schedule (11%), feeling more productive (10%), and being able to wear comfortable clothes (6%) rounded at the top five.

On the companies' side, the study also shows that providing access to resources for employers to do their job (18%) has the biggest impact. Other actions having a positive impact include having clear expectations on what’s expected (17%), communications from company leadership (15%), and informal team gatherings (13%).