The Covid-19 pandemic has dented worker sentiment, according to a global study from the ADP Research Institute.

The study found that while 86% of workers worldwide still say they feel optimistic about the next five years in the workplace, this is down from 92% last year.

According to ADP, the decline in worker optimism comes as 28% of respondents worldwide reported being laid off, furloughed or temporarily laid off by their employers, and 23% reported having to take a pay cut.

The report also found that the impact on job security and optimism is uneven with younger workers being hit the hardest. However, many workers also believe that the pandemic will have a positive impact on issues such as workplace flexibility and the development of skill sets.

Meanwhile, more than one in four workers report having taken on a new role or changing roles in their organisation and most of them (68%) received a bonus for doing so.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also led to 75% of the global workforce making changes to, or planning to change, their living arrangements.

The majority, or 67%, have also said they have been forced to make a compromise between their work and personal life because of the impact of the pandemic. Furthermore, 15% of working parents reported that they, or someone in their household, stopped working voluntarily as a result of the pandemic.

The report also found that one in seven workers, or 15%, are actively trying to move into an industry they consider to be ‘future proof.’