Recent research highlights significant pandemic-induced challenges within deskless industries across the UK.
- A majority of workers in manufacturing, care, construction, and retail report negative impacts from ongoing pandemic effects.
- Notably, 30% of these employees perceive a decline in operational efficiency due to their companies’ pandemic responses.
- Employee satisfaction has deteriorated, with over one-third reporting a worse experience compared to pre-2020 levels.
- Policy changes implemented during the pandemic remain prevalent, yet have sparked concerns over reduced personal interactions and training opportunities.
Recent research unveils substantial challenges within the UK’s ‘deskless’ industries—sectors such as manufacturing, care, construction, and retail—where 59% of workers believe that ongoing pandemic effects are negatively impacting business operations. This issue represents a formidable threat to the UK economy if ignored. Furthermore, almost a third of these workers (30%) feel that the responses to COVID-19 have rendered their companies less efficient.
Employee satisfaction has markedly decreased post-pandemic. Over a third (37%) of employees claim their experience at work is worse than before 2020, with common grievances including staff shortages (51%), diminished in-person training (37%), deteriorated communication (36%), and a lack of development opportunities (26%). Consequently, 53% feel less motivated, 32% experience dissatisfaction, and 31% are less productive.
Alarmingly, about 20% of workers consider changing their employment within 12 months, and 17% contemplate leaving their industries completely. This potential turnover could exacerbate existing skills shortages, posing a significant risk to these sectors.
The pandemic led 85% of businesses to adopt new policies for their deskless workers, and 80% continue these practices. These policies often include video calls, online training, and fewer meetings, which have received mixed responses from workers. While a significant number support video calls and reduced meetings, the lack of in-person interactions remains a critical concern.
Two-thirds of businesses have discontinued certain pre-pandemic activities, such as team gatherings and face-to-face training, which 84% of workers wish would return. In-person training, in particular, is highly demanded, reflecting its importance in employee development.
The shift to online training has not been well received, with 85% of affected workers reporting negative impacts. The most common complaints include unengaging training sessions perceived as mere formalities and reduced retention of information. Just 20% feel that online training benefits their careers, with even fewer feeling it enhances job performance.
Cloud Assess CEO Rob Bright observes that while pandemic-driven changes have been beneficial for some, they have significantly hindered deskless industries. He emphasises that current strategies might save time but fail to effectively upskill workers in the long term. Bright warns that these lingering effects, coupled with operational inefficiencies, could threaten the long-term success of UK firms.
UK industries must address these ongoing pandemic-related issues to secure long-term success.
