(WWJ) The pandemic could revolutionize the way Americans approach work moving forward, according to a survey conducted by global staffing firm Robert Half.
The survey included 1,000 people around the United States who work in “office environments.” The data was gathered in the second and third week of April. No other information was released about the fields the participants work in.
Over 60% said their job is “doable from home” and their work-life balance has improved without having to travel to the office.
Nearly 80% of parents said they would like to work remotely more frequently. That number was closer to 70% for people without children living at home.
“The folks that have children…are rethinking business travel, and worry about being in close proximity with others when they get back to the office,” Trish Plovie, Senior Vice President of Robert Half, spoke live on WWJ. “People are looking for a little bit more flexibility.”
Plovie said employees are expressing concerns about whether their office has proper cleaning protocols and will make accommodations for social distancing, including staggering work schedules and/or limiting in-person meetings.
Over 70% said they will not shake hands in business meetings anymore. More than two thirds of people think there will be less opportunities to interact with colleagues in person.
The survey participants also expressed major downsides such as distractions at home.
“If you have kids and pets, it’s important to have a quiet space in the house deemed your workspace and to be able to limit those distractions,” Plovie said on WWJ.
Plovie said it is also important for employees to send their boss frequent progress updates.
Other workers worried about the isolation.
55% of survey participants said it will be harder to have “strong” relationships with colleagues if they are not in the building.
It is unclear how long these changes will last.
"I think this will be our new normal for a while," Plovie said. You can listen to the complete interview here.