Five negative work habits harming employee health in 2022

With our usual work routines being disrupted due to the pandemic many employees may have found themselves falling into adverse working patterns.

Behaviours such as working too many hours or skipping a lunch break can have a huge impact on workplace wellbeing, job satisfaction and productivity.

Research into Google search data towards the end of 2021 identified the most common working habits that people want to avoid in 2022, with many employees turning to Google for advice on how to cope and change their behaviours.

1. 53% increase in Google searches for ‘chronic procrastination’ (between November 2021-January 2022)

Procrastination is the habit of delaying an important task. There are lots of reasons why we might put off completing a task at work. It might be that a task feels too big or that it isn’t challenging enough, and we feel underwhelmed. It could also stem from our emotions and mental state, such as feeling stressed or anxious

With the uncertainties and change brought by the pandemic employees might feel anxious, stressed and underwhelmed in their working lives – which can lead to chronic (long-term) procrastination.

2. 50% increase in Google searches for ‘multitasking’ (between November 2021-January 2022)

Multitasking is when you are completing more than one task at a time, dividing your attention, and ultimately making it harder to focus.

This can lead to lower levels of efficiency at work and increase the chances of making a mistake.

Over the past year, many employees may have found themselves multitasking more than usual.

This is particularly true for working parents who found they had to juggle their home and work life during lockdown.

3. 30% increase in Google searches for ‘workplace stress’ (between November 2021-January 2022)

The pandemic has taken its toll on our mental wellbeing and it’s no surprise employees are increasingly experiencing work-related stress. High workloads, working longer hours and lack of stability in a job can all lead to workplace stress.

During the peak of the pandemic, research by Bupa revealed that over one in four employees reported their workload had a negative impact on their wellbeing. Everyone reacts to stress differently, but common signs of work-related stress are withdrawing from work and colleagues, increased absence, lower productivity, and feeling demotivated.

4. 22% increase in Google searches for ‘signs of burnout at work’ (between November 2021-January 2022)

Work burnout is caused by feeling overwhelmed or being under too much pressure at work for a long period of time.

For many employees working from home during the pandemic, the boundaries between work and home became blurred, making it hard to switch off from work and find a work-life balance.

We know that work has an impact on our health and wellbeing and it’s no surprise many employees have experienced burnout in their working lives.

Multiple lockdowns, remote working and changes have led to many feeling a loss of control – both at home and work.

5. 14% increase in Google searches for ‘decision fatigue’ (between November 2021-January 2022)

Decision making is a cognitively taxing process. After a period of having to make lots of choices, whether big or small, employees might experience decision fatigue.

This is when we feel drained from having to make lots of decisions, our ability to make high-quality decisions decreases, and we feel overwhelmed when faced with choices.

Feeling exhausted, making more mistakes, and experiencing brain-fog are all symptoms of decision fatigue and can lead to lower levels of productivity.

With that in mind, here are some positive habits to adopt in 2022 to support your employee’s wellbeing.

1. Collaboration is key

With an 83% increase in Google searches for ‘effective teamwork’ last year, there’s no better time for collaboration.

There are lots of ways you can collaborate effectively, from working on shareable documents online to remote or face-to-face workshops and meetings.

2. Promote a work life balance

A positive work life balance helps to reduce work related illness, such as stress and anxiety.

27% more people searches for ‘work balance’ towards the end of last year, so encourage your team to spend time doing activities or hobbies that bring them joy and that allows them to switch off from work.

As a manager, you can use your own behaviours such as logging off on time to lead by example.

3. Support your employees with their work set up

Research from Bupa revealed 11 million UK employees experienced injuries as a result of working from home during 2020.

If your team is working from home, check in with your employees, ask if extra equipment might be needed such as ergonomic chairs or laptop risers to improve their set up.

4. Communicate with your team

There has been a 22% increase for ‘effective communication’ on Google last year. Effective communication supports teamwork, collaboration and productivity at work.

As a manager, you can encourage your team to make time to chat with colleagues during the day to help them to feel connected, and ensure you check in with them regularly on a 1-2-1 basis.

5. Encourage resilience techniques

Google searches for ‘resilience in the workplace’ have increased by 23% over the last year.

Resilience is a key part of employee wellbeing and helps employees to bounce back from adversity.

As a manager, it’s important to understand how to support your team with building their resilience.

Being available to talk through any worries and concerns, as well as providing access to support, such as Employee Assistance Programmes can help.