According to a new study, workers lack confidence that their employer is prepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Only about a third (32%) of U.S. workers say they trust their organization’s management to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. A new national poll from Eagle Hill Consulting also reveals that only 45% think their company’s leaders moved quickly to adapt to the changing realities brought on by the pandemic.
About half (49%) of workers say their company is increasing remote work in light of COVID-19. However, only 51% of respondents say their company has the technology, tools, and training needed to transition to a work-from-home situation.
According to the poll, employees have other concerns:
- 55% are worried about job security.
- Only 31% think their employer is proactively addressing concerns about their organization’s economic health.
- Just 39% of respondents say their employer is proactively addressing employees’ health concerns.
- Less than a third (27%) say their company is providing customers/clients with regular updates.
“Culture is what holds an organization together, so it’s never been more critical to lean hard into culture during these tough times to build a sense of community and support among the workforce,” said Melissa Jezior, Eagle Hill president and chief executive officer. She added, “If employers can help fill the void employees are feeling, that can empower them to overcome the many obstacles on the road ahead.”
When a crisis arises, organizational leaders should ask, “What can we do to protect our culture and our voice?” It is important to make decisions with the culture at the heart. A strong culture will help determine how you handle a crisis and, after it passes, how you are perceived by your employees, your clients/customers, and the public.
Despite some of the fears and negativity, another survey from The Harris Poll for Glassdoor shows that 60% of employees are confident that they can do their jobs efficiently while working remotely, even if that work-from-home status is extended indefinitely. In that same survey, 67% of respondents say they would support an indefinite work-from-home decision by their employer. That opinion was especially prevalent among employees with an annual household income of less than $50,000 per year.
