The Prepare for returning to the workplace survey helps organizations understand how their employees are feeling about returning, their knowledge of safety measures in place, and how this may differ by particular demographics (e.g., those with caregiving responsibilities). The following insights are from surveys completed in 2020 (starting in May when the survey was launched). In 2021 we have updated the survey, which you can learn more about in the support guide.
~1.7m
Questions answered
~700
Organizations
The data meet our criteria as being robust and reliable; unlikely to substantially change over time; and representative of the wider industry. Read more about the methodology.
Data provided by Culture Amp
Computer Software
12%
Information Technology and Services
10%
Internet
8%
Financial Services
7%
Marketing and Advertising
3%
Nonprofit Organization Management
3%
Hospital & Health Care
2%
Real Estate
2%
North America
51%
Europe
21%
Oceania
18%
Asia
6%
MEA
2%
South America
1%
Return Readiness is defined using these 4 questions that capture how safe employees feel and how ready they are to return to the workplace.
I am confident I can make an effective transition back to the workplace | 64% |
I am confident that my transition back to the workplace will be straightforward | 55% |
I am looking forward to returning to the workplace | 48% |
I will feel safe being in the workplace when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 39% |
We've found that overall Return Readiness is modest at 52%, though the index score is being heavily skewed by the more favorable responses to the item I am confident I can make an effective transition back to the workplace.
While many of the Culture Amp survey templates focus on the organization (i.e. evaluating what the organization has done) the Return to the workplace questions focus on the individual and their own feelings and experiences. Therefore, on some items, we are seeing lower favorability scores than we would typically see in engagement surveys. Though we imagine the favorability will steadily increase in 2021 as vaccinations are rolled out
The data tell us that employee's perceptions around travelling is intertwined with their overall Return Readiness, those that are ready to travel are ready to return and vice versa. Additionally, the amount of disruption the employee expects to their routine is a key factor, taken in combination with the remote working questions it seems employees have become accustomed to their new work routines.
1 I would feel safe using [Company]'s workplace facilities (e.g. gym, cafeteria, social areas) when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 42% favorable Safety Measures |
2 I am able to transition back to the workplace with minimal disruption to my usual routine/personal life | 53% favorable Support |
3 I am feeling energized about returning to the workplace | 45% favorable Wellbeing |
4 I would feel comfortable traveling for work related purposes (e.g. attending offsite meetings) when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 36% favorable Travel |
5 I would feel safe traveling to the workplace when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 38% favorable Travel |
People answering Prepare for Returning to the Workplace Survey Global January 2021 were most favorable about the following areas:
The data shows that items around Remote Working are the most favorable, in particular having the resources to continue working from home if needed. Given that for many organizations the COVID-19 pandemic is the first time employees have worked remotely, these data would suggest that there is an appetite for it to continue and this experience will shape what the future of work looks like for many organizations.
1 I have the resources/equipment to continue working remote should I need to | 88% favorable Remote Working |
2 I believe our [team/department] would benefit from some degree of remote working in the future | 88% favorable Remote Working |
3 I would feel genuinely supported by my [manager/team] if I chose to continue working remotely | 86% favorable Remote Working |
People answering Prepare for Returning to the Workplace Survey Global January 2021 were least favorable about the following areas:
The data shows that items around travel and safety are the least favorable. About a third would feel comfortable travelling for work and and only 38% would feel safe being in the office when restrictions are lifted at the end of 2020
1 I would feel comfortable traveling for work related purposes (e.g. attending offsite meetings) when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 36% favorable Travel |
2 I would feel safe traveling to the workplace when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 38% favorable Travel |
3 I would feel safe using [Company]'s workplace facilities (e.g. gym, cafeteria, social areas) when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted | 42% favorable Safety Measures |
Insights data provided by Culture Amp.
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