Shifting priorities and employment choices among workers in Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal analysis

Abstract

BackgroundEmployment is a determinant of health. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted working lives, forcing individuals to adapt to new ways of working. These shifts might shape people's priorities and their consideration of changes for future work. We examined how these outcomes differed depending on self-reported health status. MethodsIn this longitudinal analysis, we used data from the COVID-19 Employment and Health in Wales Study; a nationally-representative household survey of workers aged 18–64 years. Timepoint 1 (T1) data were collected between May 27, 2020, and June 22, 2020, and timepoint 2 (T2) data between Nov 30, 2020, and Jan 29, 2021. Participants who responded at both timepoints were eligible. Respondents selected five employment priorities at both timepoints, and the employment changes they considered during the COVID-19 pandemic at T2 only. We used multivariable logistic regressions (including sociodemographics, current employment factors, and self-reported health) and examined associations with health firstly for employment priorities, and secondly for the consideration of employment changes. Health measures were self-reported general health, limiting pre-existing health conditions (both using National Survey for Wales validated questions), and mental wellbeing (using the shortened Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). FindingsWe analysed data from 592 respondents (382 [65%] women). 766 (56%) of 1358 T1 respondents were excluded as no T2 responses were provided. Those who self-reported poor general health were consistently more likely to prioritise flexible working arrangements than those rating fair or above (T1 adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2·06 [95% CI 1·10–3·88], p=0·033; T2 aOR 1·87 [95% CI 1·05–3·33], p=0·034). Those with low (as opposed to average) mental wellbeing were more likely to consider securing a permanent contract (aOR 5·49 [95% CI 1·32–22·81], p=0·023, and those with limiting pre-existing conditions were four times more likely to consider becoming self-employed (aOR 4·00 [95% CI 1·35–11·84], p=0·011) than those without. InterpretationPromoting the adoption of flexible working policies and supporting those in poor health to obtain flexible employment could benefit people in Wales. Those with low mental wellbeing might seek the security of permanent employment, and those with limiting pre-existing conditions might value the autonomy of self-employment. FundingNone.