Seeking Good Work in the COVID-19 Recovery

In Brief 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 prioritized 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 prioritized flexibility and were more likely to consider retiring. Those with limiting preexisting 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. Our findings have implications for ensuring an equitable economy that aligns with the needs of those working within it (particularly those in ill-health or facing greater insecurity). Making flexible work more accessible to those that need it, and addressing training needs that have emerged during the pandemic is key.