9 in 10 employees face some level of anxiety from COVID-19

Over nine in 10 employees (92%) reported some level of anxiety from the pandemic, with 55% indicating a moderate or high degree, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson.

Conducted with more than 100,000 global employees since mid-March, the survey aimed to track pandemic-related work experiences.

It further revealed that seven in 10 workers (70%) conveyed at least some distraction from work due to COVID-19 concerns, with only one-third (32%) indicating they can balance working from home and other responsibilities.

Six in 10 respondents (61%) stated financial concerns stemming from the COVID-19 disruption with 25% expressing a moderate or high degree of worry. Fewer than half of the respondents said their company is making it easier to access and use employee benefits (46%) or know how to apply these benefits to COVID-19 care (47%).

“The challenges presented by this crisis highlight the demand for cross-functional collaboration to truly address employee needs,” said Lesley Brown, Asia Pacific Practice Leader, Employee Insights, Willis Towers Watson.

“Employee anxiety can be managed through HR benefit-related coping support, yet combating distraction requires line managers to deepen team connections in appropriate ways, while alleviating financial concerns calls on business heads to demonstrate leadership by navigating the organisation through chaotic times,” she added.

Notwithstanding the challenges, employees are pleased with the way their leaders have stepped up to support them during the pandemic.

A large majority agreed their leaders have been effective at focusing on work objectives (78%), obtaining the support needed at work (74%), keeping employees informed (73%), and protecting the health and wellbeing of their workforce (71%).