Organizations Push Employees to Work From Home Due to Coronavirus

A Gartner survey of 800 global HR executives found that 88% of organizations have encouraged or required employees to work from home, regardless of whether or not they showed coronavirus-related symptoms. Nearly all organizations (97%) have canceled work-related travel, more than an 80% increase since March 3.

“As the COVID-19 crisis disrupts organizations across the globe, HR leaders must respond quickly and comprehensively, considering both immediate and long-term talent consequences,“ said Brian Kropp, chief of research for the Gartner HR practice.

The survey shows that organizations, trying to balance employee needs with financial realities, are employing a variety of approaches to time-off policies in response to COVID-19. Nearly half (48%) of employers require employees to use sick leave first, then vacation leave and finally potential PTO for coronavirus absences. 20% increased PTO for individuals who are sick and/or caring for a sick family member, while 18% granted additional PTO for parents who are caring for children whose schools are closed.

“Our research shows that only a minority of employers plan to downsize or ask employees to take unpaid leave,“ added Kropp. “Instead, most organizations are focusing on measures such as more effective use of technology and freezing new hiring to cut costs.“

The survey shows that most employers plan to cut costs while minimizing impact to pay for existing employees when possible. 70% report that the main cost-cutting measure they plan to use is more effective use of technology. Nearly half of organizations plan to freeze new hiring. A greater percentage plans to reduce work for external partners rather than employees; one-fifth of organizations plan to stop or limit consultant spend and/or reduce the number of contract workers. Only 10% plan to reduce working hours, and just 6% report asking employees to take unpaid leave.