Public Sector employees feeling anxious
A couple of weeks ago, we teamed up with Fórsa to find out how Public Sector employees are doing during the pandemic. The response was overwhelming. Over 5,000 Public Sector employees completed the survey.
Survey results
- 80% said they have felt anxious
- 71% are having trouble sleeping
- 52% said they, or somebody in their family, is experiencing anxiety, depression or a related mood condition as a result of COVID-19.
Main concerns
When asked what they are most concerned about, the top 5 things public sector employees said were:
1. Mental health, stress, anxiety and lack of motivation – selected by half the respondents
2. Physical health – selected by 45%
3. Weight and appearance – selected by 29%
4. Money – selected by 24%
5. Parenting – selected by 23%
Other worries cited were related to work and family; the struggle of juggling childcare and home-schooling while working from home. Redeployment was also a concern. Over half of respondents had children (65%), most of whom are of school-going age.
Of course, public sector workers also mentioned their worry about the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people close to them, like elderly parents, children and other vulnerable family members. There is also anxiety about the general uncertainty of what the future holds.
Useful resources to help with anxiety durind COVID-19:
In this Together Government campaign
Free call: Samaritans 116 123 or Text YMH to 086 1800 280 (Messaging Support Service).
Source of statistics: Cornmarket wellness survey of Fórsa members. 5,103 respondents, 02/06/20. Please note: Cornmarket cannot be held responsible for the content and advice on external websites referenced in this article.