New Survey Shows that Professionals are More Concerned About Economic Fallout Than Illness from the Pandemic

By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASE

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:

Source: Korn Ferry