Seeking good work in the COVID-19 recovery: shifting priorities and employment choices among workers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Disruption to working lives spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic may shape people's preferences for future employment. We aimed to identify the components of work prioritised by a UK sample, and the employment changes they had considered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A nationally-representative longitudinal household survey was conducted in Wales at two time-points between 2020 and 2021. RESULTS: Those in poorer health prioritised flexibility, and were more likely to consider retiring. Those with limiting pre-existing conditions or low mental well-being were more likely to consider becoming self-employed. Those experiencing financial insecurity (including those with high wage precarity or those furloughed) were more likely to consider retraining, becoming self-employed, or securing permanent employment. CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring flexible, secure and autonomous work is accessible for individuals facing greater employment-related insecurity may be key.