MRA’s Hot Topic Survey Shares Outlook on COVID-19 Policies, Future Plans, and Biggest Business Challenges

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MRA’s Hot Topic Survey Shares Outlook on COVID-19 Policies, Future Plans, and Biggest Business Challenges

MILWAUKEE, WI (December 15, 2020) – MRA’s most recent Hot Topic Survey on COVID-19 policies and practices shared results on what employers are currently doing for remote work, temporary layoffs and furloughs, COVID-related sick leave and exposures, impact of the vaccine, holiday celebrations, and more.

 “While the pandemic has changed business as we know it, many organizations were able to quickly and successfully adapt and are redefining their new normal moving forward into 2021,” says Zach Day, Director, Surveys, Custom Research & Analytics of MRA – The Management Association. “This shows the true strength of our character and our ability as both employers and employees to push through any crisis.” 

Because of COVID, employers quickly adopted technology in 2020 to accommodate remote work to help keep employees safe and healthy. Employers are now taking a strategic approach to reinventing their workforce and considering permanent organizational shifts to remote work.

According to the MRA survey, 90 percent of employers offer remote work to some or all employees today. Compared to another MRA 2019/2020 National Policies and Benefits Survey in which just 33 percent of employers across the U.S. allowed working from home as an alternative work arrangement.

It is predicted that employers currently providing remote work arrangements in some form may continue to do so as a permanent shift in their policies, post-pandemic. When asked if and when employers would be bringing employees back to the workplace, survey data reveals:

• 24% of remote workers will continue working remote through the end of 2020
• 22% of remote workers are rotating time in the office
• 19% are reviewing long-term strategies for remote workers and may offer on a permanent basis
• 17% of remote workers will continue working remote through mid-year 2021
• 8% of remote workers will continue working remote as needed
• 5% of all employees are already back in the office
• 1% of remote workers will continue working remote through the end of 2021

Those who are not able to work remotely due to their job requirements fall into the Production & Maintenance category, which comprised 6 percent of survey respondents. While employers have experienced the benefits of remote work including increased productivity, flexibility to attract and retain top talent, cost savings by reducing office space, and increased employee engagement, MRA suggests that organizations will need to evaluate how employees are feeling and address concerns of those not able to have the same flexible work opportunities.

Despite the significant impact that COVID has had on business operations, it is noteworthy that 42 percent of respondents did not implement layoffs this year.

Added Day, “We take this as a positive sign that many employers are maintaining or even exceeding pre-COVID business levels, which also gives increased hope for the 2021 business outlook.”

With regards to sick leave and absences, many employers are accommodating workers by providing paid benefits such as those offered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act or FFCRA (76 percent) while another 23 percent of employers are providing paid sick leave benefits beyond what is required. Additionally, 65 percent of employers are allowing for employees to continue working and earning their wages, by accommodating remote work arrangements. While another 61 percent of employers are being lenient with attendance policies. FFCRA will expire on December 31, 2020. NOTE: the FFCRA legislation applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees.

The top five strategies implemented to support sick/exposed employees include:

• 76% providing FFRCA leave, as applicable, until it expires
• 65% encouraging remote work
• 61% excusing COVID-related absences from their attendance policy
• 27% providing flexible unpaid medical leaves
• 23% providing additional paid sick leave benefits

The Hot Topic Survey also looked at the impact of the new vaccine. Currently 48 percent of organizations offer onsite flu vaccine clinics. Fifteen percent indicated that they plan to offer onsite COVID-19 vaccine clinics when available. An additional five percent are exploring whether they can mandate the COVID-19 vaccine in the future.

COVID has changed how companies will celebrate the holidays this year as well. Only five percent of respondent are hosting an in-person holiday party this season. Forty-three percent indicated that no party or other recognition is being considered. Other plans in lieu of a holiday party include:

• 15% are giving gift cards
• 13% are giving a gift or gift basket
• 8% will have a virtual holiday party
• 4% are giving a bonus

Recognition can still occur in different ways at any time of the year to show employees how valued they are. MRA offers a guide on Engagement Activities During a Pandemic to inspire some ideas!

Above all, the biggest challenge facing employers this year has been the well-being of their employees. Many employers are increasing employee communications, promoting the Employer Assistance Program (EAP) benefit, conducting pulse surveys to gauge engagement, and utilizing workplace wellness programs to support overall employee well-being during the pandemic.

The data from MRA’s Hot Topic COVID-Handbook Survey is intended to offer insight on what employers are currently doing and provide an outlook for plans and policies moving into 2021. Organizations can see what others are doing and make decisions based on the trends other employers are offering. MRA recommends now is the time for organizations to review their company’s handbook and key policies to ensure they stay current, compliant, and competitive in 2021 and beyond.

To request a copy of the full Hot Topic COVID Handbook Survey, contact [email protected] .

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About MRA—The Management Association: Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves 4,000 employers, covering more than 1 million employees worldwide. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its members thrive by offering comprehensive HR services, talent management, learning and organization development opportunities, and total rewards planning. MRA helps organizations build a successful workplace and powerful workforce. Headquartered in Waukesha, WI, MRA has regional offices in Palatine, IL; Moline, IL; and Plymouth, MN. To learn more about MRA, visit www.mranet.org.