Feature Articles
Challenges of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey to inform working practices
Authors: Timothy C. Hardman, Peter Llewellyn, Steven Walker
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic working practices changed for members of the medical communication community. We devised a multifactorial online survey to better understand the impact of these changes. Of the 759 respondents, 85% had a positive experience: they enjoyed time at home, liked the freedom, felt secure in their posts, and remained cheerful. Most established a daily routine, coped with an interesting workload and felt valued. However, this was not true for all, 28% of respondents reported feelings of loneliness and/or isolation. Others noted problems with vigour, rest, and concentration. Some consumed more alcohol and exercised less, while a similar proportion reported the opposite. Most respondents were neutral in respect their personal relationships (45%), with around a quarter noticing a positive effect and a similar proportion the reverse. With regards to finances, 18% were worse off, especially freelancers (37%). Most respondents believed the pandemic would change future working practices.
Medical Writing. 2021;30(1):18–29

