How Americans Feel About Returning to Work During Covid-19
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The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed millions of workers across the globe to a deadly virus. Many Americans have shifted to working from home when possible and have expressed a desire to continue this setup even after the pandemic. Unfortunately, an end to the pandemic does not seem to be in sight as the number of infections continue to climb. Despite the bleak numbers, many employers are expecting their employees to return to the office as states lift restrictions. A recent study by JDP shows how Americans feel about returning to work during Covid-19.
Key Findings
- 86% favor a staggered 4-day work week to limit the amount of people in the office.
- 69% of respondents said they trust their coworkers to respect their personal boundaries in regards to Covid-19.
- 63% said they have issues being tested by their employer for the virus or for antibodies.
- 62% of Americans think people who return to the office earlier will be favored by management.
- When asked about precautionary office measures, American workers prefer: 1. No handshakes, hugs or fist bumps 2. Limited people in the office 3. Keeping workstations six feet apart 4. Limited people in the elevator 5. Daily in-person screenings.
Other Findings:
- 33% report working more than usual during quarantine, 25% report working the same as usual and 42% are working less than usual. Those working more than usual report problems maintaining boundaries between work and home life. The majority of employees working less than usual report that there is less work to be done.
- 41% feel they are more productive working from home, 26% think their productivity is about the same, while a third feel less productive.
- The majority of study participants are working different hours while working remotely. 30% start and finish earlier, 28% start and finish later, and 19% start earlier and finish later. Also, two-thirds are working nights and weekends.
- 92% feel their boss trusts them to work from home.
Methodology
Between June 12 – June 16, 2020, JDP polled 2,038 Americans who typically work in an office of some sort, but have been working remote because of the pandemic. Respondents were 49% female, 51% male and ranged in age from 22 to 66 years old. See the full study here: https://www.jdp.com/blog/work-from-home-statistics/