Concerns surrounding social distancing, mask etiquette, and shared facilities fuel discomfort; findings inspire free course, “Coping With Stress and Uncertainty,” to ease transition back to the workplace
64% of U.S. workers are anxious about returning to the workplace according to a survey conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Articulate Global, Inc., from May 11-13, 2020, among 1,100 employed U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Articulate—makers of Rise.com, an all-in-one system that makes online training easy to create, enjoyable to take, and simple to manage—conducted the survey to understand how employees are preparing for the gradual reopening of workplaces.
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What’s fueling this anxiety? According to the poll, 59% of those who are anxious to return to work once stay-at-home orders are lifted say the potential inability to maintain social distance with coworkers and customers are leading concerns. Sharing a bathroom (40%) and displeasure with wearing a facial mask (38%) were other sources of discomfort.
In addition to their unease about returning to the workplace, many of those working from home due to COVID-19 have yet to receive information and guidelines about workplace behavior in “the new normal.” As of the survey date, only 33% of those who work from home due to COVID-19 say their employer has shared a plan and trained them on how they will return to the workplace safely.
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Addressing Stress and Uncertainty
To address these key concerns raised by survey respondents, Articulate launched a free Rise.com course titled, “Coping With Stress and Uncertainty.” The course features lessons on why coping in a crisis is challenging, as well as how to understand your stress response and emotional triggers.
“We know it’s critical to provide uniform training to a distributed workforce, especially in times like these,” said Articulate President Lucy Suros. “Following on our well-received COVID-19 course released in early March, this free Rise.com resource helps overwhelmed and overburdened employers deliver training quickly and at no cost to support their employees during these uncertain times.”
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