Employers take aim at expected higher levels of employee stress and anxiety, Willis Towers Watson survey finds

More communication, manager training planned; work-from-home policies expected to continue

ARLINGTON, Va., April 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A majority of U.S. employers expect to continue their remote work policies and, to a lesser extent, flexible work arrangements after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW). The survey also found that while employers have boosted their employee communication in response to the pandemic, they will need to do more to help workers cope with expected increased levels of stress and anxiety in the months ahead.

Nearly six in 10 respondents (59%) expect their work-from-home policies will remain in effect after the pandemic ends while roughly half (49%) expect to continue offering flexible work arrangements. Employers also anticipate the fallout from the pandemic will have lingering effects on their employees. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) anticipate facing higher than normal levels of employee stress and anxiety over the next three to six months while 60% expect to deal with maintaining employee resiliency.

The crisis has led employers to significantly increase communication with employees. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) have increased communication on health and safety tips while 84% have provided tips on working from home. Three-quarters of respondents (76%) have provided more tips on managing a remote workforce.

“It’s important that employers lay the groundwork now for greater stability in the workplace,” said John Jones, North America head of Talent, Willis Towers Watson. “Initiatives such as work from home, virtual meetings and enhanced communication will shape how workforces operate in a post-crisis world. And learning how to best leverage technology will be essential to support their employee experience.”

Managers receive high marks, but more training, employee listening needed

Almost nine in 10 respondents (89%) said their managers have “stepped up” to support their employees during the crisis while 88% said their organization has been effective at removing obstacles so their employees can do their jobs efficiently. Even more — 92% — said their organization has been effective at providing employees with the technology, tools and resources needed for them to work productively for an extended period of time.