We reported in August 2020 HAWKEYE on the quantitative findings from our May survey into working from home. Our initial quantitative analysis suggested that although most staff were coping well with home working, a significant minority of staff were not adapting well, were finding that they were less productive or that their mental health was being adversely affected.

 We have now analysed the free text responses and wanted to bring you a brief summary of the results. 

Photo of person's hands working at laptop

Positive things helping staff to adapt were:

  • flexibility in working hours;
  • availability of a suitable space at home;
  • avoiding commuting time.

Challenges reported included:

  • for carers, balancing work demands with caring for young children/trying to home school;
  • maintaining work/life balance;
  • frustration with lack of progress with research;
  • increased workload, now and into the new term;
  • technology requirements;
  • poor concentration/sleep;
  • isolation;
  • lack of access to outside space;
  • uncertainty about the future;
  • anxiety about world events and COVID.

"I’m doing as well as can be expected….. I have had to accept that my capacity and productivity is going to go down."

The results of the survey and the subsequent interviews have been passed on to IHW senior management team and the university more widely to guide their action plans. Actions arising directly from the survey results at IHW level are the inclusion of questions about workload and any concerns about the current situation in the PDR light process, guidance on Zoom etiquette and a recent IHW Town Hall meeting. 

Thank you for your participation in this research. It allows the Athena Swan SAT to keep IHW management and the university informed about the issues you are facing and action to be taken.

Janet Bouttell, Nicola McMeekin, Rebecca Robinson, Cindy Gray

First published: 2 May 2018

<< October 2020


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