COVID-19 Update: Impacts on Productivity & Well-Being

Nearly Half of US Companies Surveyed Report Increased Productivity Since COVID-19 Outbreak, but Employee Well-Being is Declining

 

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According to a September survey of 330 HR executives primarily from large US companies, almost half (47 percent) believe that productivity has increased for their workforce since the COVID-19 outbreak, compared to only 23 percent in our April survey. This productivity increase could be partly due to employees working longer hours since the start of the pandemic, as 60 percent of companies report; not only are they working longer hours, 63 percent of companies report that the time spent in meetings has increased. But this increased productivity may come at the cost of employee well-being. Many surveyed companies report that their employees are suffering more burnouts (42 percent), decreased work-life balance (46 percent), and more mental health problems (40 percent). Organizations also reported the erosion of both engagement and moral (31 percent), as well as high levels of personal well-being (35 percent). “These sobering statistics beg the question of whether increased working hours are sustainable in the long term,” said Robin Erickson, PhD, a report co-author and Principal Researcher at The Conference Board. “To further support the health and well-being of their workers, companies can consider implementing quiet periods without email, mandating use of vacation time, or even offering more benefits related to health and wellness to mitigate stress.” For more HC COVID-19 survey results, see Adapting to the Reimagined Workplace: Human Capital Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

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Stay Informed COVID-19 Pandemic Resources & Support for HC Community Curated Resources Hub. The Conference Board is uniquely positioned to provide Human Capital Leaders with a 360° view of implications for business and insights on what’s ahead related to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Visit this page often as new resources are being added to help you effectively and confidently navigate this quickly evolving situation.