As part of our ongoing series of electricity sector pulse surveys, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) conducted an employee survey to gather data on the experiences of those who are currently working remotely—the majority of whom have been forced to do so as a result of COVID-19. With over 400 responses collected over June and July, the results present an interesting window into employee perspectives as to how successful this unusual experiment has been.
The survey included questions on the advantages and challenges of working remotely, respondent’s view on working remotely post-pandemic, the level of support respondents are receiving from employers, what managers can do to improve the challenges of remote work, concerns around COVID-19 transmission and safety protocols when returning to the office, and more.
Major Takeaways
- Before the pandemic, 44.3% of respondents would sometimes work remotely. Currently, 76.6% of respondents are working remotely.
- Respondents overwhelmingly favour working remotely: 95.5% of respondents working remotely would like to continue to work remotely, at least sometimes. On average, those wanting to continue working remotely would like to do so about 3 days per week.
- 44.9% of respondents said there were no disadvantages at all to working remotely, while 2.2% said there were no advantages to working remotely.
- Many respondents identified that working remotely is not inherently a challenge. They noted that working under the pandemic, with the added stresses and lack of childcare, is what is difficult. Working remotely without the pandemic would be even more favourable.
- 6.7% of respondents say they are less productive working remotely. 45.2% have the same level of productivity, and 48.1% have an increased level of productivity.
- Respondents are generally having more meetings with internal colleagues and less meetings with external partners.
- 10.5% of respondents find it difficult to work with new clients, customers or colleagues.
- 81.5% of respondents are somewhat to very concerned about contracting COVID-19 when returning to work. The top concern is that safety protocols (like masks and handwashing) will not be observed.
- Most respondents feel that their company is providing the right supports. 15.7% of respondents say their manager has not been as supportive as they would like, and 16.1% say they are frustrated with their organizations.
- 29.1% of respondents say their employer has communicated dates for returning to the office. 40.2% say their employer expects them to return but have not yet provided a date.