This is the 8th edition of the Index, which measures the quality of work for all types of professionals. In 2019, the Index ranged from 55,7 to 54,5 points out of 100; in 2020 that figure dropped to 53,5.
The drop in the Index is prominent amongst young employees between 16 and 24 years old, drivers of machines, mechanics, worker in the primary sector (agriculture, quarrying, fishing, forestry) and individuals on part-time contracts.
“It must be said that our investigation has shown that there are two worlds at work now during the pandemic”, says David Buechel, work psychologist and author of the study. “There are people who can work from home because it is technically possible and therefore also relatively satisfying, and has no major repercussions on their salaries. However, they have more stress, the mental strain is greater and there are more work-life balance conflicts. They are even more afraid of contracting the virus.”
Factors that positively influence one’s working life are missing at the moment, which may include decision-making difficulties when at a distance and working from home. Furthermore, contact and communication is complicated due to social distancing, face masks and again, teleworking. These are some of the study’s conclusions.
Fear of the virus and social isolation have a severe impact on mental health, explains Buechel: “3 out of 10 employees are at moderate risk of developing depression. 1 out of 10 shows strong signs of depression. “We know that there are vaccines against Covid-19, but unfortunately there are none against mental health problems and that is why prevention is so important here.”
A rather alarming side note is that the survey was conducted between June and September of 2020. The situation has most likely not improved in the months that followed, Buechel underlines.
