Employers Must Redefine the Workplace to Reflect Employee Demand for Holistic Experiences

SHL study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic decreased individuals' ability to adapt and remain resilient

LONDON, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been extremely disruptive for everyone. But what is the long-term impact on the workforce? SHL, the global leader in people science and technology, conducted a study that found participants reported a 5% decrease in their adaptability and an 8% decrease in their resiliency personality traits, demonstrating people's capacity to cope has been negatively impacted by collective trauma of the pandemic.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8976651-shl-workplace-pandemic-study/

To gather these results, SHL administered an Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) in the U.S. and studied the responses of 4,574 participants for the pre-COVID-19 period (October 2019 through February 2020) and 6,820 participants for the post-lockdown period (March 2020 through August 2020). 

"There is a perception that our personalities remain stable and unchanging throughout our lives," said SHL Chief Science Officer Sara Gutierrez. "However, our research indicates significant events and critical periods in our lives can alter our personalities." 

Additionally, during the pandemic, corporations and individuals experienced a wake-up call about the importance of other social issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. This heightened awareness sparked employee demand for a more holistic approach to experiences, pressuring businesses to place a greater emphasis on empathy, rework how employees are treated and reevaluate the value propositions offered to them. 

"It's pivotal that we accept the fact that the workforce has experienced personality changes because of the pandemic," added Sara "Now, it is more important than ever for leaders to acknowledge that change and evolve workplace cultures." 

Companies must consider these next steps: lead with empathy, facilitate growth and encourage individuality, prioritize inclusion, and boost team morale with non-work-related activities. These actions will help leaders to reflect, adapt and update their priorities to attend to the thriving businesses of tomorrow.  

Read the complete report here: https://www.shl.com/resources/by-type/whitepapers-and-reports/how-the-pandemic-changed-our-adaptability-and-resilience/

About SHL 
SHL, the global leader in HR technology and psychometric science, transforms businesses by leveraging the power of people, science, and technology. 

Our unrivalled workforce data and highly validated talent solutions provide organizations with the workforce and scale to optimally leverage their people's potential that maximize business outcomes.

We equip recruiters and leaders with people insights at an organization, team, and individual level, accelerating growth, decision making, talent mobility, and inspiring an inclusive culture. To build a future where businesses thrive because their people thrive.

With 45 years of talent expertise, we are the trusted technology partner to more than 10,000 companies worldwide, across more than 150 countries, including 50% of the Fortune Global 500 and 80% of the FTSE 100. For more information, visit shl.com

Contact
Laura Drake
PR@shl.com