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—Vaccine not a deciding factor: Just 5 percent say wide availability of vaccine would guide reopening plans— —Some employees overlooked: About 60 percent of companies consulted employees about comfort levels in returning— —Inconsistent testing standards? Only 67 percent are requiring screening, testing, or temperature checks— —Top worker safeguards: Companies are buying PPE, creating social distancing rules, prepping workspace for return— NEW YORK, September 3, 2020…Many businesses hoped to reopen their workplaces after Labor Day, but a new survey of managers and executives suggests a long, uncertain road ahead. 35 percent say the timing of when their companies will reopen the workplace is unknown. The Conference Board survey also found that only about 60 percent of companies have consulted their workers about their levels of readiness and comfort in returning to the workplace. In addition, despite talk of a looming vaccine and its benefits, just 5 percent say its wide availability would be a significant factor in the timing of a return to the workplace. The findings also reveal that, while most companies have mandated certain protocols for employees arriving at work, only 67 percent are requiring screening, testing, or temperature checks. The survey polled more than 1,100 businesspersons across 20 US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The respondents – primarily C-suite executives, vice presidents, and senior managers – represent a cross-section of industries. The online survey was fielded from August 19th –26th. Key findings include: Over a third of companies have not set a date for reopening. For reopening, a vaccine is not top of mind. The most and least frequent actions businesses are taking to safeguard their workers: The most frequent: The least frequent: Do employees feel comfortable returning? Only about 60 percent of companies have even checked. On the upside, those businesses that did survey workers were more likely to put all safeguard measures in place, including top employee concerns. Less than half of companies have enacted or plan to enact staggered shifts or staggered timing. Two-thirds of companies are requiring screening, testing, or temperature checks. This analysis is a continuation of previous work by The Conference Board. In April 2020, researchers gauged how organizations were reacting to the changing business environment in the context of their workforces. For additional research on this pandemic as well as specific content for human capital professionals, visit our COVID-19 Human Capital Hub or contact The Conference Board’s press office. About The Conference Board The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org
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