15: Percentage of employees whose view of their employer has worsened since COVID-19 began
Since the pandemic began, 15% of employees say that their view of their employer has worsened, and 15% say that it became more positive, according to a survey of 5,000 working Americans from Morneau Shepell, a human resources services and technology company. The majority of employees (72%) believe that their employers are handling health and safety well, compared to only 7% of employees that believe it’s been poorly handled. Similarly, 68% of employees believe their employer is handling the use of technology well, 60% of employees believe their employer is handling flexible work hours well and 55% of employees are satisfied with how their employer is handling work-from-home policies.
What it means to HR leaders
Although the index reveals employees are feeling equally positive and negative toward their employers when compared to before the pandemic, there’s room for growth.
The pandemic has been a make-it-or-break-it time for many company and HR leaders, with health and safety, employee wellbeing, mental health, flexibility and compassion being vital strategies.
Related: Why health needs to be HR’s No. 1 priority amid return-to-work plans
“While it’s encouraging to see a positive sentiment in some, the negative sentiment is something employers should attend to,” says Paula Allen, global leader, research and total wellbeing at Morneau Shepell. “As employers continue to prioritize employee health and safety during this time, it’s important to remember that these are not the only factors needed to maintain workplace stability and positive culture. Proactive communication, inclusivity through virtual platforms and support for employees’ mental health and wellbeing during this crisis are equally as important and are essential for employees to feel valued.”