Covid forces fundamental rethink on where we live, how we work

The pandemic and lockdowns have made over a third of those aged 18 to 34 want to move house according to new findings from Close Brothers. 

Employees in London are most eager to make the change, with 38 per cent seeking a better quality of life. It is a significantly greater proportion than the next most likely regions, the East Midlands and the East of England (both 23 per cent). 

The region in which employees are least likely to have made the shift is the North East (nine per cent).

Close Brothers’ new report highlights the extent to which the past 12 months have changed the financial plans of employees across the UK. 

The findings also show that 39 per cent of workers plan to move to remote working full time as a result of the pandemic with 30 per cent doing so part time. 

Around one-in-five have decided that they want to reduce the amount of time they spend working while 14 per cent either have already retrained, or are planning to retrain, for a new career.

Outside of work the report also uncovers significant behavioural change. 

Three fifths of UK employees are exercising more; meanwhile 58 per cent intend to go out more when possible, and the same number are making a concerted effort to connect more with friends and family. 

Over half want to engage in a healthier diet and focus more on activities to improve wellbeing and mental health.

Around three quarters of UK female workers either plan to or have already started keeping a closer eye on their day-to-day spending as a result of the pandemic. This is the case for only 52 per cent of their male counterparts.

Covid-19 has also spurred employees to think more about planning for the unexpected. Almost two thirds are saving into an emergency fund. Furthermore, one in five have been prompted to write their will.