2020 was a year of exceptional circumstances; the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the third sector and those who worked within it. A year on from the first UK lockdown, people feel overwhelmingly positive towards their organisation and their COVID-19 response.

✓ 90% of respondents agreed that their employer is treating them fairly

✓ 87% feel that overall, their employer has adapted well to the current situation. This is up from 60% of respondents cited last June in the Status of UK Fundraising 2020 Report

✓ 83% said that their employer demonstrated care and concern about employee wellbeing

✓ 94% feel trusted by their manager to do their job

The majority of people have worked remotely at some point over the past year. Despite the change, people have adapted well and would like to continue flexible working long-term.

✓ 90% of respondents believe that flexible working policies are the future

✓ 74% of respondents enjoy working from home

✓ 80% of people would like to work from home more often in the future, up from 67% of respondents cited in the Status of UK Fundraising 2020 Report.

✓ However, this does not mean people want to only work from home in the future. Whilst 22% agree that they would like to work mostly from home long-term, a further 23% disagree

Having the right technology and software in place has been essential for remote workers. Some organisations have recognised this and are now planning on investing more in technology and to begin digital transformation projects.

✓ 87% of respondents said that technology has helped them to work more effectively during COVID-19

✓ 83% stated that access to cloud-based technology has been essential whilst working remotely

✓ Despite this, there have still been a portion of remote workers who have had inadequate access to the software they need (10%) or the appropriate hardware (13%)

✓ 64% of respondents who identified as the ultimate decision maker within their organisation said as a result of the pandemic, they are now planning to invest more in technology

Overall, despite feeling supported by their employer, people’s wellbeing has deteriorated over the past year. Employers may now have to re-evaluate what their duty of care is and how they can support their workforce in the return to 'business as usual’ and beyond.

✓ In common with the whole country, 79% of respondents are worried about the effect the pandemic is having on their life.

✓ 48% said their overall wellbeing has deteriorated during the pandemic

✓ 50% of respondents said that their mental wellbeing had deteriorated during the pandemic.

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