financial goals in 2021

 

How to realize your financial goals in 2021 (even if you've been made redundant or furloughed)

With unemployment at a record high, and young people most at risk of losing their jobs, this is your guide to coping with redundancy

As the pandemic batters the economy, forces entire sectors into shutdown and wreaks havoc with the job market, the UK unemployment rate has risen to 5%, with an estimated 1.72 million people unemployed – the highest level in five years.

Experts predict what working from home does to your mind and body in the long-term... and it doesn't look good

*Gets off the sofa and changes out of pajamas*

Like all big changes, it has crossed our minds what impact remote working could be having in the long-term. And even though it's currently out of our control, it makes us wonder whether we'd choose flexible working in the future, especially when you hear the bleak outcomes experts predict for our posture, stress levels and sleep - not to mention skin, hair and weight.

1. We miss the social side of office work

The watercooler chat just isn't the same over Zoom and around a quarter of Brits working from home say they are struggling with the loneliness and isolation from colleagues, right now*

2. We're not getting outdoors enough

From the commute to after-work drinks or lunch breaks outdoors, there's no doubt that we spent more time outdoors during the pre-pandemic working days.

3. Our at-home office setting is lacking

Bad posture, too much screen time and long periods of typing aren't exclusive to remote working

4. It's harder to sleep

It was recently revealed that three out of four of us had not been sleeping as well since we started working from home, with 23% being unable to switch off and 19% blaming a lack of routine**.

5. We're gaining weight

It's hard to blame working from home for the belief that over half of the nation gained weight during the original lockdown***. Instead, the majority of us attribute the weight gain to snacking, drinking more alcohol and getting less exercise.

However, it might be easier for us to go longer periods without stretching or moving around during a working day spent within our four walls and when it comes to our vision of 20 years of home-working, snacking more and exercising less could contribute to weight gain on the stomach, thighs, bum and ankles, according to the Directly Apply experts.

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