I Don't Want to Go Back: Examining the Return to Physical Workspaces During COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sociology of Work
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift in work environments, prompting discussions about returning to physical workspaces.
• Understanding employee perspectives is critical for effective return-to-work strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate employee attitudes towards returning to physical workspaces.
• To inform employers and policymakers on decision-making regarding return-to-work policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A conceptual model was tested using survey data from 333 energy workers in the United States.
• Data was collected in May 2020, capturing immediate post-onset pandemic concerns.

Main Results:

• Willingness to return was lower among women, non-Caucasians, and those in multi-generational households.
• Childcare concerns negatively impacted return willingness, while organizational safety strategies positively influenced it.
• Employee network COVID-19 infections also reduced willingness to return.

Conclusions:

• Standardized return-to-work policies may not adequately address the varied needs of different employee groups.
• Flexible and adaptable approaches are recommended for employers and policymakers to ensure a safe and responsive return to physical workspaces.