New research reveals decline in home-based roles post-pandemic

Glenn Carstens-Peters | Unsplash

​ TL;DR

• A study involving 2,000 recruiters across England and Wales found that 84% of recruiters have observed a reduction in home-based roles since the pandemic ended.

• The study also found that 88% of recruiters observed that candidates disclosing mental health issues were likely to seek adjustments, such as working from home.

• Dr. Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said that the UK government's proposed changes to Work Capability Assessments are based on false assumptions and motivated by a desire to save money. She urged the government to reconsider its proposed changes and instead focus on investing in workplace support and mental health services.

A recent study involving 2,000 recruiters across England and Wales has unveiled a concerning trend: the decline of home-based roles since the pandemic's end. A staggering 84% of recruiters reported a reduction in such positions, casting doubt on the government's claims that the benefits system adequately reflects modern work arrangements.

This shift away from remote work stands in stark contrast to the widespread adoption of home-based employment during the pandemic, which demonstrated its viability and numerous benefits. The study's findings suggest that employers may be reverting to pre-pandemic practices despite the clear advantages of flexible work arrangements.

Further highlighting this discrepancy, the study revealed that 88% of recruiters observed a correlation between candidates' disclosure of mental health issues and their likelihood of seeking adjustments, such as working from home. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of mental well-being and the potential benefits of remote work in supporting employees' mental health.

Despite these evident advantages, employers cited concerns about efficiency (25%), the nature of work (25%), and employee well-being (23%) as reasons for not offering full-time remote work or additional home-based days. These concerns raise questions about the validity of these reasons and whether they stem from a reluctance to embrace flexible work arrangements rather than genuine concerns about productivity or employee well-being.

The potential impact of these developments is particularly concerning for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Anticipated cuts to support for these groups in the upcoming Autumn Statement have raised alarms, with fears that these changes could lead to increased illness and poverty.

Dr. Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, voiced her concerns, stating, "The UK government's proposals are based on false assumptions and motivated by a desire to save money. Our findings prove that their arguments for cutting support don't reflect reality and risk leaving people trapped between a broken benefits system and a jobs market which doesn't exist."

Dr. Hughes emphasized the need for comprehensive support systems that address both financial and employment needs, urging the government to reconsider its proposed changes and instead focus on investing in workplace support and mental health services. Her call to action highlights the urgent need for policies that align with the realities of modern work arrangements and prioritize the well-being of individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions.