As the world continues to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, professionals in a new Korn Ferry survey weigh in on their biggest concerns. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (61%) say they are more worried about the economic fallout from the virus than the health risks.
The situation is also putting a strain on relationships, as more than half of professionals (55%) say concerns about work during the pandemic have caused friction with their family members.
Nearly half (48%) say they are surprised the pandemic is still at a critical stage, and it is taking a toll. 60% say it is more difficult to concentrate at work now than it was at the beginning of the crisis. When asked why it is difficult to concentrate, 45% say they are dealing with too many responsibilities, and nearly a third (31%) say they feel overwhelmed with the pandemic and the issues surrounding it. A change in the work environment is not the issue – only 9% say working from home is the top reason they find it difficult to concentrate.
“With all of the social unrest, health concerns, and economic issues being thrown at us right now, it’s no surprise many feel overwhelmed,” said Dennis Baltzley, Korn Ferry’s global solution head for leadership development. “A key job of the company is to understand where employees are – are they safe? Are they engaged even if working remotely? More than ever it’s critical to project empathy and listen carefully to help people navigate the crisis.”
Despite a slowing of business in many industries, more than two-thirds of respondents (67%) say they personally are busier at work now than they were pre-pandemic. Most are not going to take a break from their job. Only 20% say they are going to take a vacation, with 35% saying they are staying home because there is no place to go. Only 17% say they are foregoing a vacation because they are worried about catching the virus.
“It is difficult to stay fully engaged at work over extended periods of time, even when there is so much going on at home, on the job and in the world,” said Baltzley. “Yet, even if employees don’t take lengthy vacations, they must find ways to disconnect and relax in order to recharge and be productive.”
Other survey findings include:
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Is it more difficult to concentrate on your work now than it was at the start of the pandemic?
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It was more difficult to concentrate as this was all starting
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40%
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It is more difficult to concentrate now
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60%
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If you find it hard to concentrate at work, what’s the top reason?
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Dealing with too many responsibilities
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45%
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Working remotely makes it hard to concentrate
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9%
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My priorities have shifted to factors outside work
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15%
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I feel overwhelmed by the pandemic and issues surrounding it
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31%
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Are you more busy at work now or pre-pandemic?
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Now
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67%
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Pre-pandemic
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33%
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Compared to the beginning of the pandemic, how often do you take calls with the video turned on?
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Much more often
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48%
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Somewhat more often
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22%
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Somewhat less often
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14%
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Much less often
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16%
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What worries you more, the economic fallout of the pandemic or the risk to your health?
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Economic fallout
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61%
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Health risk
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39%
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Have your concerns about work during the pandemic caused friction with your family?
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Yes to a great extent
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9%
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Yes to some extent
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46%
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No
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45%
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Are you putting off a vacation? If so, what’s the top reason why?
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Yes, I worry about my job
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14%
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Yes, there’s no place to go
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35%
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Yes, I’m worried I will catch the virus
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17%
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Yes, I’m worried about money
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14%
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No, I’m still taking my vacation
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20%
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How surprised are you that the pandemic is still at a critical stage?
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Extremely surprised
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12%
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Somewhat surprised
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36%
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Somewhat unsurprised
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22%
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Not surprised at all
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30%
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Source: Korn Ferry