Professionals in Canada have gone from the shock of life in lockdown, to weeks of working from kitchen tables and makeshift offices. But now, many are turning their attention to the impending move back to their workplaces, and what the new normal will look like. Robert Half surveyed 500 professionals in Canada to find out more about their current situation, concerns for the future at work, and what they see changing the most.
According to the research, professionals feel some apprehension about going back to their typical workspace:
- 46 per cent of professionals worry about being in close proximity to their colleagues.
- 74 per cent would like to work remotely more frequently than before the outbreak.
- At the same time, 59 per cent believe it will be more difficult to build strong relationships with colleagues if teams aren’t in the same building as much.
Once physical distancing guidelines ease, the workplace will likely change. Of office professionals surveyed:
- 72 per cent will rethink shaking hands with business contacts.
- 73 per cent plan to schedule fewer in-person meetings.
- At the same time, 75 per cent feel they will go back better prepared to support or cover for coworkers who need to be out of the office.
- 56 per cent anticipate spending less time in common areas in the office.
- Six in 10 will reconsider attending in-person business events (61 per cent) and travelling for business (59 per cent).
- 69 per cent think there will be fewer in-person social and team-building activities with colleagues.
Staff expect their organization to adapt to the new normal. Workers were asked, “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following measures do you think your company needs to take?” Their responses:
- Allow employees to work from home more frequently (85%)
- Have better cleaning procedures (73%)
- Hold fewer in-person meetings and training sessions (68%)
- Stagger employees’ work schedules (48%)
- Change the office layout (40%)
- Require employees to wear masks (26%)
