Returning to work: Keys to a psychologically safer workplace

The workforce is suffering from a rise in mental distress from the pandemic. There is a risk that returning to the workplace will cause millions of people to encounter stress and anxiety.

A new McKinsey survey found that a third of respondents did not want to return back to an office setting as it would negatively affect their mental health. 

Employers who prioritise psychological safety in post-pandemic operations can help employees' mental health and attempts to cultivate inclusive workplaces.

According to the June survey, those who have not returned from remote to on-site work,

• 19% expect that returning will have a positive impact on their mental health
• 49% anticipate going back will have negative effects

Of those who worked remotely during the pandemic and have returned to on-site work,

• 36% reported adverse mental health effects of on-site work
• 37% reported positive effects
• 44% of respondents with children reported negative mental health impact compared with 27% with no children at home