Nearly 70 per cent of Londoners suffering from ‘productivity anxiety’

Nearly 70 per cent of Londoners have been suffering with ‘productivity anxiety’ since emergency pandemic measures have eased.

The majority of those reporting such anxiety or ‘stress overload’ has jumped since work from home guidance lifted and the UK has edged closer towards ‘normality’, according to new research.

The pandemic gave Brits an opportunity to reimagine the world of work, particularly the role of the office.

However, many have been swept into pre-pandemic routines after an emotionally gruelling 18 months, which has pushed 40 per cent of Londoners to feel guilty for not fulfilling all of their commitments across their work and personal lives.

While another 42 per cent feel like they are not able to stay on top of their to-do list, and 36 per cent dread their working day ahead, Microsoft Surface found.

Though the march back to the office has put a spring in many a city dwellers’ step – almost three quarters of Londoners are showing signs of unhealthy levels of perfectionism.

“As restrictions have eased there is a sense of optimism and excitement for the upcoming festivities and getting back to old routines. However, there is clearly an underlying anxiety rooted in productivity weighing in the background for many of us,” Joshua Fletcher, a psychotherapist who specialises in issues around anxiety management, explained.

“It’s important we use technology to help us, by supporting a reset, establishing clearer boundaries, reducing our daily cognitive load – and by making the most of the time available to us.”