Although the coronavirus continues to remain a threat to the world, many employees have begun to slowly re-enter the workforce (while those holding “essential jobs” likely never left). Other businesses, both large and small, await government direction on when it will be deemed reasonably safe for them to reopen (as do their employees, especially those who are no longer receiving unemployment benefits).
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Of course, many businesses are struggling to balance state versus federal guidance, economic versus physical well-being, and individual freedom versus the common good. CDC guidelines for safety during reopening suggest limiting capacity in enclosed spaces, leaving some small businesses wondering if it even makes financial sense to reopen.
With all these questions and concerns still looming, it may be beneficial for businesses to be asking employees about COVID and getting their input on return to work guidelines.
How the Coronavirus Has Impacted Employees
On April 5, during what seemed to be the height of the crisis, we published a blog titled The Importance of Getting Employee Feedback During the Coronavirus and wrote that employers should be surveying employees about their questions, concerns, and fears in order to properly address them. Now, despite the suggestions of some experts who believe that we should be rolling back the reopening phases, some businesses are preparing to open their doors as soon as they receive the green light.
25 Employee Survey Questions about COVID and Return to Work Guidelines
There are a number of questions to consider including in a COVID survey for employers. These questions will vary depending on your industry and the type of work the employee performs.
Here are 25 employee survey questions (and some follow-up questions) to get you thinking of what you may want to ask your employees.
- Are you concerned about the financial stability of the company if it does not reopen?
- Are you concerned about your financial wellbeing if the company remains closed?
- When do you think we should reopen our business?
- Will you be willing to return to work should we reopen?
- Are you looking forward to returning to work?
- How does your family feel about you returning to work?
- How concerned are you about returning to work during the coronavirus?
- What social distancing protocols do you think should be implemented?
- Do you think our physical workspace needs modification?
- Do you think we should require the wearing of masks and gloves?
- Would you prefer the company to provide gloves/masks or to use your own?
- Would you like the option to continue to work remotely?
- Would you like the option of staggered shifts so that fewer people are in the office/workspace at one time?
- Would you be willing to travel again for business?
- If your child is not returning to school, do you have concerns about returning to work due to child care responsibilities?
- Do you feel safe commuting to work via public transportation?
- Would you be willing to attend meetings with a large group of people?
- What policies do you think need to be updated upon your return to work?
- Do you believe we should perform daily health screening on employees (e.g. temperature scans)?
- Should employees who refuse to submit to a health screening be sent home?
- What should an employee do if they suspect someone else is exhibiting signs of coronavirus infection?
- How do you think we should conduct new hire interviews?
- Should interviews be conducted remotely until the person is hired?
- Should employees be able to request special accommodations such as a private workspace if they are considered at-risk (elderly or pre-existing medical condition)?
- Will you be willing to sign a waiver limiting the company’s liability if you contract COVID-19 at work?
Another good resource for employee survey question development is this recent report from the National Law Review about return to work guidelines during COVID-19 and how it may affect employers and employees.
Conclusion
Employee surveys were important in the earlier days of the coronavirus crisis to get their opinions as the situation unfolded. With employees going back to work, they may be even more important now. While some may be anxious to get back to work (and get back to a regular paycheck), others may be reluctant or even decline due to ongoing fears about COVID.
One of the more effective ways to determine what’s best for your business and your employees is by reaching out to them through an employee opinion survey. You can do this quickly and easily with SurveyLegend (view an employee survey template here).
Our pre-designed surveys are easy to create and easy on the eyes, and they’re responsive so they’ll adjust to your employees’ smaller, at-home screens, or even their smartphones. Start asking employees about COVID and your return to work guidelines by creating an employee survey with SurveyLegend for free.
What are you asking employees about COVID? How do they feel about your return to work guidelines? Share your experiences in the comments.
Create your first employee survey, form, or poll now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Employee feedback clarifies expectations, helps people learn from their mistakes and builds confidence. It also helps make the workplace a better environment for all staff members.
Employers can send out employee surveys asking about their questions and concerns in order to properly address them.
They don’t have to be but if asking employees for honest and/or personal feedback it may make some employees feel more comfortable and forthcoming with their opinion.
SurveyLegend offers pre-designed, responsive survey templates that can be completed and then conducted online.
