Few workers expect to return to their workplace this year and even fewer feel comfortable doing so, according to polling released Thursday by the Conference Board.
The global think tank found that only 28% of workers think they will return to work by the end of the year, and a mere 17% would feel comfortable doing it.
Meanwhile, a whopping 70% of workers indicated they are only moderately comfortable returning.
As working from home has turned out to be more productive than originally expected, 33% of respondents questioned the wisdom of returning to their workspace. A total of 29% of respondents have little faith in their colleagues’ ability to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines, making it harder for them to want to return to work.
The survey was conducted online between Sept. 16 and 25, and it polled more than 1,100 U.S. workers.
The Conference Board’s findings come as the number of coronavirus infections have recently ticked up. Over the past week the number of daily cases averaged over 45,000, which is up nearly one-tenth from two weeks ago.
Rebecca Ray, the executive VP of human capital at The Conference Board, said that employers should listen to their workers before calling them back into the workspace.
“Without a continuous dialogue, and in many cases, the lack of a detailed plan about returning to the workplace, it comes as no surprise that these workers are more apprehensive,” she said.
