02.06.2020

Nearly two-thirds of Britons expect to return to work by the end of August, but they’re feeling uncomfortable

New joint research* by BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), a leading global communications agency and global insight consultancy PSB, a BCW Group company, has revealed that nearly two-thirds of Britain’s workforce (60%) say they expect to return to work by the end of August, but they’re feeling uncomfortable.

Concerns about bringing COVID-19 into their home is the biggest fear (45%). There is also a trust issue: 31% say they do not trust that their colleagues are taking proper precautions in their own lives.

To help protect themselves, the vast majority say they would be supportive of having their temperature checked by their employer every morning when they arrive at work (88%) or wearing PPE (85%).

Expectations from staff

Staff are looking at their leaders to clearly communicate how they are changing policies and procedures – 94% say this is important - and 70% say they expect to be consulted about plans and changes to improve work safety.

Most staffers also say they expect new cleaning protocols to be introduced (72%) and for work spaces to be separated (66%). 69% also say they expect to receive communications about detailed plans should COVID-19 be detected in the workplace.

Expectations versus realities

In other areas, staff recognise that gaps exist between what they ideally want, and what they expect their leaders to be able to actually deliver.

For example, 70% of staff say they would feel more comfortable if there were to be routine testing of COVID-19 among all employees, yet 50% say they think it is unlikely their employer will do this.

Likewise, 72% say they would feel more comfortable about returning if all employees in the office had been certified as receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, yet 44% say they think it is unlikely to happen.

James Morley, Head of Business Transformation, BCW, said: “Business leaders need to be planning for the long-term and taking action now. Forward thinking bosses know that the way they support staff has a huge bearing on their future ability to attract and retain talent on the back of the crisis. As such, managers play a key role in supporting their teams: showing they are listening and consulting, addressing the concerns of those who are nervous while also laying out clear, realistic and concrete actions, communicating plans effectively and ensuring they deliver.”

“Returning to work will be a tricky balance for employers and employees alike, but a continuation of flexible policies, demonstrating empathy and providing clear guidelines and safety protocols will drive comfort and ultimately, employee engagement.” Clarissa Valiquette, MD of PSB Insights EMEA

*Research was undertaken by PSB who conducted 500 interviews among a nationally representative sample of the British public (18+) between the 14 and 18 of May

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