The future of work | the new normal

After over a year of change and adaptation, what will our workplaces look like in the new normal? As the Government continues to ease restrictions, business leaders must consider how the future will impact their workplace. More importantly, they must consider how it will impact their people.

For many businesses, the pandemic has accelerated workplace wellbeing initiatives and pushed through flexible working plans. It has highlighted the advantages and limitations of traditional workplaces and created divisions by sector and working style. With the workforce divided, how can businesses move forward to create modern and adaptable environments which enable their people to thrive?

We asked 1,500 people across the UK about their future work plans and wellbeing needs. We set out to understand how the workforce is feeling and what businesses can do to help them adapt.

The report explores what to expect from the new normal, how the return to work might differ across sectors and the impact of the right support on wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

What are employees expecting from the new normal?
Explore how employees feel about the future, including reactions to their employer’s approach and what they need to make the transition smoother.

Download the report now

Key findings include:

Just 13% of those currently working from home will be returning to the workplace full time.

66% of employees want more wellbeing support from their employer.

89% of employees are happy with their proposed new way of working.

31% say their employer is not introducing or extending any form of flexible working.

38% of people who work from home feel wellbeing support has improved their productivity.

51% of people are still nervous about the return to work.

Sector factsheets

Each sector has had to adapt to its own unique challenges, and employees have experienced the pandemic differently as a result. Our factsheets explore how individual sectors are approaching the new normal, how this differs from the UK average and what support people need from their employer. Sectors include Manufacturing and construction, wholesale and retail, government, education, financial services, transport and logistics and professional, scientific and technical services. To view the factsheets enter your details below.

Webinar - The future of work: supporting your employees with change and uncertainty

Watch our recent webinar where our expert panel discuss how the Covid-19 restrictions have affected the manufacturing and construction sectors and the impact of the right support on wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

What you’ll learn:

How the nation is feeling about the future of the workplace and why we need to address the issues
What wellbeing support employees in the manufacturing and construction industry want
How industry champion Make UK have supported their members during the pandemic
How manufacturing company Airmaster have been supporting their employee wellbeing
Practical tips for helping your people cope with change and uncertainty

Watch now

Resources for HR professionals

Wellbeing webinars

Online, interactive group or 1:1 coaching webinars to support your employees’ health and wellbeing

Coping with Covid

The hidden cost to businesses (and their people)

COVID-19 resource centre

Information and advice for you, your business and your people

Westfield Health is a trading name of Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Ltd and is registered in England & Wales company number 303523. We are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Our financial services registration number is 202609. Westfield Health is a registered trademark. Registered address: Westfield House, 60 Charter Row, Sheffield, S1 3FZ.

The future of work:

What the workforce needs to thrive in the new normal

What are employees expecting from the new normal?Explore how employees feel about the future, including reactions to their employer’s approach and what they need to make the transition smoother.