Despite initial missteps, more than 70% of Americans feel good about the job media, government and business is doing to help them cope with Covid-19, according to an online survey among a nationally representative sample of 577 Americans conducted March 17 and 18, 2020 by Shapiro+Raj. And while the job situation is in a vulnerable state, 78% feel their employer has performed admirably in helping them cope during this difficult time.
Social distancing is key to lowering the curve and Americans have taken this advice with over 90% adopting it. Of those, about 28% report they now work from home exclusively, more than five times the level cited in the 2017 US census. Before Covid-19 this was a flexible option that afforded those partial to it some freedom and autonomy. But, as one respondent put it, a company order makes one feel like it’s a “forced shut in.”
S+R looked into the sentiments surrounding this issue under the current circumstances and found a mixed bag. As a headline in the Atlantic put it, the Coronavirus is “…creating a huge, stressful experiment in working from home.” While a logical step, it adds a layer of anxiety. For instance, many see employer WFH mandates atop government business closures as a signal to “never leave the house.” While they can be closer to family, it’s a new behavior complicated by a crowded, chaotic home. Could this create a negative halo, or will they adapt to this new reality?
At the same time, this is a test for company leaders who’ve operated under legacy metrics and protocols revolving around employees being physically present. Technologies, new approaches and revised metrics will certainly be useful today but are very likely to reshape how teams work tomorrow.
Crises often force us into new experiences that reshape our beliefs and behaviors. When the dust settles there is every reason to believe that employees and companies will come out of this stronger and with a whole new way of working, with flexibility and empowered by technology.
Shapiro+Raj
S+R is a research and strategy firm that uses social and behavioral sciences to solve the toughest business and marketing challenges. Our next-gen methods dig deep to unlock market-ready insights. Then our brand planners turn these into strategic marketplace actions that create brand evolution and innovation; customer experiences and loyalty; and new platforms for growth.
