Employee satisfaction in relation to employer communication through the COVID pandemic, and regarding the post-COVID working relationship


You are being invited to participate in a research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully.

What is the purpose of the study?

This study seeks to identify the relationship between employee satisfaction in relation to their perception of employer communication through and, crucially, as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the extent to which virtual working is proposed as part of continuing “new normal” working conditions.

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Why have I been invited to take part?

We are looking for volunteers who are aged 18 and over who were employed in a professional (professional services, clerical, legal, etc.) occupation in the UK with the same employer throughout the pandemic. All participants are required to have knowledge of the English language to a degree where they will be able to understand the written information provided.

Do I have to take part?

You are under no obligation to take part in this study; it is completely your choice.  If you do decide to take part, you are free to withdraw without giving a reason, and without incurring a disadvantage. 

What will happen if I take part?

You will be taken to a secure website. You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your assessment of communication from your employer both through the lock-down period of the pandemic and with regards to proposed future working practices as we emerge from the pandemic. You will also be asked to indicate your preference for office based versus home or virtual working, and your general satisfaction with your employer.  Please be reassured that your responses are entirely anonymous and that no information will be recorded about you or your employer.   The questionnaire will take roughly 10 minutes to complete.

Are there any risks in taking part?

There are no anticipated risks to you if you take part in the study. You are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason. During the study you may withdraw by closing the survey.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of the study, please feel free to contact the researcher and we will try to help.

What are the benefits of taking part?

There are no direct benefits of taking part.  However, our findings will contribute to knowledge with the aim of improving employer / employee relations in future.

Will my participation be kept confidential, and what will happen to the results?

All the information collected about you during the course of the research will be anonymous. The overall results of the study may be used in undergraduate research projects, published in academic journals or presented at academic conferences.

What will happen if I no-longer want to take part?

You may withdraw at any point until you have submitted your responses to the survey and you will not be required to explain why you have chosen to do so. You may withdraw by closing the survey.

What if I am unhappy, or there is a problem?

If you are unhappy at any point in the study, or if there is a problem, please contact the researcher at the address below. If you remain unhappy or have a complaint which you feel you cannot come to us with then you should contact the Research Governance Officer on 0151 794 8290 (ethics@liv.ac.uk). When contacting the Research Governance Officer, please provide details of the name or description of the study (so that it can be identified), the researcher(s) involved, and the details of the complaint you wish to make

Will my taking part be covered by an insurance scheme?

Participants taking part in any study that has been approved by the University of Liverpool are covered by the University’s insurance scheme.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Richard Warren, at olrwarre@liverpool.ac.uk

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