While some states that are among the hardest hit by COVID-19 are still in a holding pattern in terms of phased-in reopenings, many others across the U.S. heartland will be attempting to get back to business as usual this month. While results may vary for “business as usual,” we wanted to get insight from readers into their preparations for some semblance of normal operations, and what that might look like on at least an interim basis.
This week’s “Preparing to Return to Work” survey attracted 66% dealers, with nearly 6% of respondents each representing manufacturer direct operations and value-added resellers. The balance was spread across software and MPS specialists, managed IT, distributors, supplies resellers and OEMs. Midwestern companies led the field at roughly 36%, followed by 23% from the Northeast and 19% from the Southwest. Another 15% represent the Southeast.
We asked respondents, “Has your state (or states where you have facilities) announced a reopening for May that will enable employees to return to work?” Nearly 53% said yes and 30% said no, with 17% indicating that some branches are eligible.
In anticipation of reopenings, we asked respondents, “Has your company developed a return-to-office strategy?” Almost 42% noted, “We have completed a plan.” Another 30% noted, “Our plan is well in process or near complete.” About 25% said “We are in early stages of planning” while less than 4% replied “We have not developed a plan.”
Just when companies will have their full staff on-site is a bit murky. When asked, “When do you anticipate being able to have 100% of your staff eligible to return,” about 45% said it is too early to tell. June was selected by 30% and May was chosen by 19%. About 6% estimated a July timetable for 100% of staff returning.
It’s Your Move
Recognizing that not all companies will compel their full staff to return once eligible, we asked respondents, “When the green light is given for your respective states, what will your on-site staffing be for the first 30 days?” Slightly more than 26% indicated 100%, while 25% or more, 50% or more and 75% or more of the full staff were each selected by 17% of respondents. Another 13% were undecided, while 9% indicated less than 25% of staff would be on hand during the first 30 days.
For those respondents who did not select 100% compulsory in-office attendance, we asked when they would bring back the balance of their staff. About 56% said it was “too early to tell.” Another 18% indicated “We will rotate work-from-home for now” while 10% answered “Within three months.” About 8% selected “Within two months.”
Understanding that not all employees may feel comfortable returning to the office once the state allows, we asked, “If a staff member expresses reluctance to returning on-site out of health concerns, will you allow them to continue working from home?” Nearly 55% responded it “Depends on situation.” Yes was the answer for 38% of survey takers, while 6% said no. One respondent indicated yes, if the employee has compromised health conditions.
Acknowledging that businesses may have provided accommodations to ensure the health of their employees, we asked respondents, “In anticipation of bringing everyone back on site, what measures are you taking?” Nearly all (94%) said they would be offering masks/gloves while 90% said they would offer hand sanitizing stations. A full 75% will employ social distancing floor/wall signage, and 56% will reconfigure work stations in support of the six-foot distancing guidelines. Less than 6% indicated none, or that employees would be responsible for their own personal protective equipment. Written responses included sneeze guards, touchless faucets, daily cleaning/weekly deep cleaning and staggered work times. Another noted, “We anticipate that some on-site jobs will become remote permanently.”
On-Site Testing
Anticipating that companies may seek a proactive approach to protecting employee health, we asked respondents, “Will you offer any degree of COVID-19 testing for employees?” Given the option to choose all that apply, 45% indicated they would offer temperature checks. The same percentage was undecided, while 19% said they would not offer testing. Third-party testing was indicated by 13% and 4% will offer antibodies testing.
We then asked, “With some states extending quarantine measures through June, do you expect to increase the number of layoffs/furloughs at your company?” Almost 36% responded, “No, we anticipate opening on or before June 1.” Another 32% indicated, “No, the layoffs/furloughs we have implemented are sufficient.” About 21% checked “undecided” while 11% said yes.
With the prospect of returning on-site looming, we wanted to take the temperature of employee attitudes toward coming back. We asked, allowing for multiple choices, “Gauging the feedback you have received from employees, what is their attitude toward returning on-site?” Nearly 53% cited employees are “Eager to return to ‘normal’ work routine.” A full 49% noted, “Overall mixed attitudes.” Nearly 19% cited “Apprehensive due to health risks” while 15% are “Concerned that businesses are opening too soon.” In the “other” notes, one respondent pointed out employees are “Getting more money to not work because of the government’s $600-a-week stipend.”
Analysis
While it may seem nit-picky to separate anticipated full-staff returns from actual staffing numbers, we felt it was important to provide a glimpse into how quickly companies will compel employees to return once it is permitted. Geography greatly impacted these numbers and must be taken into consideration in evaluating them, as Midwesterners accounted for 36% of respondents and the Northeast was second-highest at 23%. Generally speaking, the Midwest is poised to once again send employees back to the office, whereas in the Northeast — one of the regions most impacted by coronavirus — the process is a bit more protracted. New York and New Jersey are noticing downward trends in new reported cases and fatalities, but not enough to give the green light (though the Empire State is getting closer).
Still, companies are gearing to get back to work on-site, with more than 70% either having completed a return-to-work plan or are just putting the finishing touches on it. Those plans include protective measures to ensure the work environment is as safe as possible while taking the extra step to provide some form of testing. Suffice to say, employees will encounter a significantly altered office environment upon their return.
After roughly two months of dealing with life indoors, many employees are champing at the bit to get back into the office, but not surprisingly, there is little agreement among the masses as to what (or when) constitutes a safe return. While companies are doing their part to make the office as safe as possible, the psychological impact could loom large in the coming months.
Fortunately, barring a protracted second wave of COVID-19, it seems companies have right-sized their staffs, for the most part, with 89% not needing further job actions in the event of a June closure extension.
