Recent research conducted by Nitro Software has revealed that over 90 percent of workers feel stressed while working from home (WFH), with 41 percent saying they feel either extremely or very stressed. Nitro surveyed more than 1,600 full- and part-time knowledge workers around the globe about the successes and challenges of working during a global pandemic.

Eighty-three percent said the way their company handles documents has not improved significantly during COVID-19, which is problematic given 63 percent work with more than six documents a day.

Respondents confirmed that with better document productivity technology, their job would be easier (51%) and save them time (55%) - two factors that would go a long way in cutting job-related stress in an already stressful environment.

"Not surprisingly, the current pandemic has seen stress levels elevate across the board," explains Gina O'Reilly (pictured), COO of Nitro. "While many people are having to contend with financial worries and concerns over job security, factors such as trying to stay healthy, attempting to care for children and others while juggling work deliverables, and maintaining some form of social contact with friends and family can account for much of the day-to-day anxiety triggers. Each of these factors, in turn, makes working from home during this time that much more stressful. For that reason, even the slightest disruption to completing a task - slow internet connection, lack of access to tools to perform simple tasks like opening a PDF or signing a document - can cause unnecessary frustration and more stress."

The research also revealed that close to three-quarters of workers plan to work from home as much or more frequently after the pandemic. However, three in 10 companies don't currently support full-time WFH policies - a situation that is bound to further contribute to the high stress levels felt by employees during the pandemic.

"It's important to put your people first and figure out how to help alleviate major stressors when and where we can on the work front," says O'Reilly. "In addition to offering more resources and programs centred around promoting overall fitness and well-being, we've announced a 'Flexible Forever' hybrid approach to working in a post-pandemic world, where our teams will have the flexibility to continue to work remotely and optimise their work environment for their own personal situations, while we provide opportunities for in-person time and collaboration as required and where it makes most sense."

The survey would appear to suggest that, as remote work becomes a permanent norm, companies will need to re-evaluate their policies and technology stack to better fit this working lifestyle. Providing more flexibility and access to the right set of digital tools will help employees thrive in the future of work.

More info: www.gonitro.com