RETURNING to the workplace is just as important to mental health as having a job, furloughed workers have told a YouGov poll commissioned by the job site Indeed.
Half admitted that their mental health is worse in this lockdown than in lockdown 1. The vast majority said they want their work life to return to either exactly or largely the way it was before the pandemic.
While polls can be deceptive, this one rings true to me. The first lockdown was a novel experience and no doubt was quite a revelation to those who were lucky enough to be able to work from home full time. There were distinct advantages of less time and money wasted in travel and more time with family. But it had its downsides, especially for single people living alone hit by loneliness and lack of social interaction. Many have struggled with self-discipline, a lack of home office space, the requisite seclusion and far too much screen time and Zoom.
To misquote Lady Bracknell, one lockdown may be regarded as a misfortune; to allow two looks like carelessness.
Feel feel to discuss this or anything else on your mind.