46: Percentage of U.S. workers who are concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 at work
According to a Gallup poll of employees conducted May 25-31, nearly half of workers say they are concerned–either very (13%) or moderately (33%)–about being exposed to the coronavirus at work. At the same time, 29% are not too concerned and 25% not at all concerned.
What it means to HR leaders
With employees worried about returning to the workplace in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, employers, and HR leaders in particular, should take extra precautions to avoid spreading the virus as they bring more workers to the office.
Meanwhile, employers should embrace a number of other precautions in the office, experts say. That includes safe practices and screening or technology that helps identify sick workers.
Related: Coronavirus resource spotlight: Alight’s return to the workplace app
The majority of workers (69%) surveyed by Gallup say there are new or more frequent cleaning procedures at work, while 58% say their employer is always providing personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves or face shields. Just over half of employees say employers are enforcing a 6-foot distance between employees and customers or other employees, and 41% say their employers are screening employees for cough or fever.
