Employees Are Gradually Accepting the “New Normal,” Finds ADP

ADP uncovers that employee confidence and outlook has stabilized despite the powerful impact of COVID-19

ADP Research Institute recently surveyed more than 24,000 U.S. employees online in the age group 18 years and above to understand the impact of COVID-19 on them. The report, titled “A Workplace Redefined: Employee Resilience Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic,” reveals employee sentiment regarding their ability to work remotely, the effect on productivity, employee confidence about facing the pandemic, and the response from their employer.

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The survey finds that stress, work-life balance, and productivity have attained a stable position instead of deteriorating further. Added to this, a majority of employees are confident that the economic crisis they are currently facing is temporary.

70% of Workers Report Confidence in Retaining Their Jobs

• Initially, remote workers complained about the ability to complete tasks, lack of connectivity to others due to technical issues, lack of necessary equipment, and distractions
• While one-third of employees called the virus the greatest barrier to productivity, half of them blamed the lack of appropriate technology for it
• Now, 70% of workers are confident about retaining their job until the next month
• 58% of employees expect their finances to bounce back in less than 6 months
• With pay cuts being reversed, more employees are returning to work

“The workforce has hit a new ‘normal’ in what it looks like and how it functions, and it is clear that employers and employees adapted quickly to a new way of working,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, co-head of the ADP Research InstituteOpens a new window . “This pandemic has significantly changed the world of work, upended employees’ everyday lives, and undoubtedly will have a long-lasting effect on organizations. The rate of the labor market decline is historic, yet employee sentiment has begun to show stabilization. Our research shows that while stress, work/life balance, the ability to connect with others, and the ability to complete tasks haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, employee outlook appears to be leveling off despite the impact of COVID-19. As the workforce continues to demonstrate resilience by overcoming challenges and adapting to a new way of working, the shifts we’ve seen previously in workforce flexibility will become a necessity.”

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Employees Are Happy With Their Employers’ Response to COVID-19

• Employees are highly satisfied with employers who are keeping people’s interest first
• Employers encouraging positive thinking in employees and virtual relationships, and providing remote work facilities have generated employee satisfaction
• Satisfied employees are keen to remain with the same employer post the pandemic than they were before this crisis

Employees Have Adapted to the New Normal

• Initially, the new rules in the workplace hampered employees’ comfort zone. However, with the passing of weeks, employees seem to have adapted to the “new normal.”
• While 65% of the workers report that the pandemic has negatively affected their finances, 58% believe that their financial condition will return to the previous level in the short term.
• Employees are gradually becoming confident about their job security. While 68% of employees believe they will retain their job until next month, 31% of them expect to return to work within a month.
• 60% of employees are highly satisfied with their employers’ move in response to the pandemic. Many organizations have increased PTO and benefits and have supported local hospitals and charities.

A People-First Approach as a New Driver of Engagement

Several reports have found that employee confidence in their employers is higher when the latter has demonstrated employee care and an interest in employee well-being. ADP Research Institute’s study further confirms this. Employee care is likely to take center stage going forward, becoming a driver of engagement and a positive employee experience that organizations will be expected to deliver as employees begin to return to work.

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