Insight

COVID-19: Reality of work and the virtual workforce

Insights from the American worker survey | Summer 2020 pulse

For more recent survey results, see our American worker survey | Summer 2022 pulse.

How do workers feel now?

In our second American Worker pulse survey results, employers receive high marks for their response to disruption. Employees are seeing gains in productivity and in the quality of work produced—especially those in hybrid and remote work environments. However, challenges persist with a majority of workers citing increased job demands and declining mental health. Explore our findings to understand how employees are adjusting and get recommendations for a future-ready work environment in the new reality.

Topics include:

COVID-19 response perceptions
Workforce and workplace experience
Engagement and culture
Mental health and wellness
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Learning at work

Key findings

A majority of workers (64%) prefer to have flexible and remote work options.

More than one-third of workers (35%) say their ability to collaborate and their level of engagement has decreased.

Despite high productivity and satisfaction, 77% of employees report increased job demands and nearly half (49%) say their mental health has declined.

Most Americans are satisfied with employer responses to workplace inequality (81%), but feel their organization could do more (58%).

Explore the survey insights

Executive summary report

Infographic

Recommendations for employers

As the impact of disruption continues, employers will need to build a resilient, future-ready workforce. KPMG recommends that organizations take key measures to position themselves for success in the new reality.

Reshape how work gets done.
Find new ways to connect and strengthen employee relationships.
Understand what drives positive worker experiences today.
Embed accountability into diversity and inclusion efforts.
Reframe the employee learning experience.

About the survey

KPMG LLP surveyed more than 1,400 full-time and part-time American workers from public and private sector organizations with 1,000 or more employees between July 2 and July 13, 2020. Respondents work in a range of industries including consumer goods and retail (18%), energy (13%), financial services (14%), government (15%), healthcare and life sciences (17%), and technology, media and telecommunications (11%).