As the nation faces tighter lockdown restrictions, a new report on the health and wellbeing of NHS, emergency services and social care workers has revealed the true effects of the pandemic on the nation’s key workers.
The survey of over 1,000 Blue Light Card holders found that 43% of frontline staff have found it hard to stay positive over the last six months with workplace stress singled out as the biggest contributor for stress for 42% of respondents.
With long hours and the added pressure of keeping the nation safe while in the midst of a pandemic all having an effect on staff health and wellbeing, for just over a quarter of respondents, news and social media is also playing its part in adding to stress levels.
In a bid to show resilience, and to improve mental and physical health, two thirds (66%) of those surveyed tried new ways of exercising as routines changed and the nation learned to adapt to a new way of life.
However, for many, family time has become a much-needed solace with 36% of those surveyed finding themselves spending more time with their family.
Explaining more about the findings, Tom Dalby, CEO of Blue Light Card said: “The stress that our hard-working key workers have found themselves under this year is hard to comprehend.
“We’ve worked closely with the community this year and their efforts have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s no surprise that many of them have found that this year has taken its toll on their health and wellbeing. Seeing the amazing work they do and the way they continue to work tirelessly to keep the nation safe means getting the chance to say thank you has never been more important.
“There have been some positives in this strange time though, as a large proportion of our community have actually been able to spend more time with family thanks to offices closing – this meant that special moments could be shared together as a family which may have previously been missed.
“We are proud to have been able to support NHS, emergency service and social care staff and their families through these difficult times and would like to thank each and every person working on the frontline for all their hard work this year.”
Blue Light Card has grown from 1.8million to 2.7million members since March, with eligible NHS and emergency staff able to take advantage of discounts available across pubs and restaurants, fashion retailers both on the high street and online and fitness and DIY retailers.
In addition to the thousands of discounts on offer, Blue Light Card members can also enter regular competitions to win freebies including cinema tickets and seasonal gifts as a token of thanks for all of their hard work.
A Blue Light Card costs £4.99 and lasts for two years.
For more information, go to bluelightcard.co.uk
