COVID-19 and the American worker

As COVID-19 transforms the American work experience, employers want to know how their workers are holding up, what they can do to maintain employee morale and productivity, and how they can begin to plan for a smart transition to a post-pandemic environment. For insights into these important questions, KPMG in early April polled 1,000 full-time and part-time workers across a range of industries and company sizes.

The survey reveals that the degree to which workers feel appreciated by their employer goes a long way toward determining how well they are performing under trying conditions.

Key findings:

Americans report their companies communicated well and most report feeling prepared to transition

Despite feeling prepared, Americans are struggling to cope with the new normal, especially parents and management

American workers are resilient and are finding ways to make it work with their colleagues

Employees who feel valued by their companies are reporting more success during this time

Read the American Worker survey report

Download the key findings slide share

Join the discussion on Linkedin

COVID-19 and the American worker

Join our panel on Linkedin as they discuss the survey findings from KPMG’s American Worker pulse survey. Live at 11:00 am ET Tuesday, May 12th and available later as a recording.

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There is a mutual resiliency and commitment between organizations and their employees that’s resulting in improved connectivity and productivity. During times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make sure employees not only understand their role and responsibilities, but also that they feel recognized and appreciated.

Paul Lipinski, Principal, Advisory, KPMG LLP

Ideas to help employers' action

As the impact of COVID-19 plays out, employers will inevitably begin to shift their focus from resilience to recovery—from responding to short-term disruptions to the business to planning for its emergency as those disruptions gradually disappear. To smooth that transition and position themselves for success, KPMG recommends employers undertake key additional measures:

(1) Reframe the employee deal

(2) Review how teams are tooled

(3) Reskill workers

(4) Invest in leadership

(5) Start planning now for economic recovery

Organizations that make the extra effort now to keep employees informed and engaged around these developments—and to equip them with the skills and tools they will need to thrive today and tomorrow—will be planting the seeds for future sustainability and growth.

Read the KPMG American Worker executive summary report to learn more about how to navigate the impact on your workforce and insights to pioneer the next normal together.