Background
In March of 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a statewide Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In May, Commute Seattle conducted a survey to learn about what workplaces were experiencing as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic so that we could provide resources to help businesses through this challenging time. Please read on for an overview of the survey results and consider how this information might inform your workplace’s plans.
76% HAVE RETAINED MOST OR ALL STAFF
37% HAVE HAD TO FURLOUGH OR LET STAFF GO
Remote Work
To gain deeper information on the remote work experience, a portion of our survey focused on quantifying what percentage of employees are working remotely, learning about employer’s plans for the coming months, and identifying areas for improving the remote work experience.
OF 415 RESPONDENTS, 89% SAID SOME PORTION OF THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE WORKING REMOTELY
MANY COMPANIES ANTICIPATE AN INCREASE IN REMOTE WORK IN THE LONG TERM
NONETHELESS, IT CAN BE CHALLENGING. WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
HOW CAN YOUR WORKPLACE THRIVE WHEN WORKING REMOTELY, RATHER THAN JUST GET BY?
Status of Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic is ever changing and employers are constantly adapting. Seattle workplaces are resilient, creative, and forward thinking. If you’re looking for help, visit our COVID-19 Business Resources Page and feel free to reach out at info@commuteseattle.com.
NOT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE WORKING REMOTELY; WE’RE SEEING AN INCREASE IN DRIVING FOR THOSE STILL COMMUTING
COVID-19 HAS CAUSED WORKPLACES TO SHUT DOWN SOME OR ALL OPERATIONS, OR OPERATE AT LIMITED CAPACITY
Return to Work
There are a myriad of factors to consider when contemplating a return to work. Workplaces are hungry for up to date information to make informed decisions. Commute Seattle is committed to bringing you knowledge and resources; visit our Commute Connections Online Series to find upcoming events and past recordings.
66% INTEND TO CREATE SOME TYPE OF “RETURN TO WORK” PLAN
WORKPLACES ARE CONSIDERING ADAPTING BENEFITS TO HELP EMPLOYEES DURING THIS TIME
RESPONDENTS IDENTIFIED COUNTLESS FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE
Timelines for opening the office:
- Open the office in phases
- Identify employees who are higher risk, ask them what they are comfortable with
Arriving at the office:
- Allow staggered shifts, flexible arrival times
- Offer weekend work if possible
- Check transit agency information to see if employees will be able to use transit
- A/B scheduling, alternating in office days based on seating
- Bi-weekly opt-in/opt-out spreadsheets
- Temperature checks and plans for if someone is showing symptoms
- Signage for reminders, rules, and more – you will need more than you think!
The physical office:
- Protocols for elevators, kitchens, bathrooms, clock in stations, other shared spaces
- Consider limiting visitors, implementing a locked front door policy
- Install barriers between desks, change arrangement of desks to ensure 6+ feet
- Conference room limits and cleaning protocols
- New standards for lunch/break rooms, print/copy rooms
- Addition of hygiene stations, bulk order PPE