Adapting to remote work during the COVID-19
pandemic has had its challenges for employers and
employees alike. For employers, keeping employees
engaged and productive from a distance and fostering
a healthy company culture can be a challenge with
employees spread out and physically separated from
both their supervisors and their colleagues.
More than half (58%) think they are less productive
working remotely, but three in five are satisfied with
how their company is handling things during the
outbreak — thanks in part to efforts their employers
are making to keep them connected and involved with
the company and co-workers, found a survey of 600
U.S. workers by marketing and business information
provider TOPData.
The top method (43%) being used by employers is to
emphasize company culture through online meetings
and emails. Other methods included sharing funny
content, hosting online get-togethers after hours and
celebrating special occasions.
Employers in the U.S. may be faced with legal
challenges as many employees return to work in the
wake of the pandemic. A randomly selected sample
of 504 voters from across the country were asked
how likely — on a scale of one to 10 — they would
be to take legal action against their employer if they
returned to work, a co-worker tested positive for
COVID-19 a few days later, and then they themselves
contracted the virus.
More than one-third (36%) responded that it was
very likely, giving a score of eight or higher.
The survey also revealed that if employers are
careful to take precautions, it would help reduce
Workers planning to keep their distance
plan to schedule fewer in-person
meetings
think there will be fewer in-person
social and team-building activities
with colleagues
anticipate spending less time in
common areas in the office
COVID COULD RAISE LEGAL CHALLENGES
When it's time to return to the workplace
after the pandemic subsides, most workers
will be cautious, according to a survey
of 500 Canadian office professionals by
Robert Half Canada. Nearly three-quarters
say they will rethink shaking hands with
business contacts and many in-office
activities are being reconsidered.
33% sharing
funny pictures,
videos and
articles
26% hosting
virtual hangouts
outside office
hours
25% creating
themes or
special occasions
to celebrate
together
FOCUS ON CULTURE
KEY TO SUCCESSFUL
REMOTE WORK
the risk of employees suing but not eliminate it.
Respondents were asked if they would still take
legal action in the above circumstances if they were
confident their employer carefully followed protocols
related to sanitizing and personal protective
equipment (PPE), and one in four (26%) still said
they would.
"The entire liability issue may become another
unfor tunate but critical residue left by the
pandemic," says Jon L ast, president of the
Spor ts and L eisure Research Group, which
conducted the survey along with Engagious and
ROKK Solutions.
73%
69%
56%
HOW TO BOOST COMPANY CULTURE
CHANGES WITH RETURN TO WORK
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