WORLD Employers in no rush to return to workplaces

Only 20 pct of companies said they intended to reopen as soon as government restrictions are lifted. A larger proportion (42 pct) said they would do so after their internal standards are met. Around 72 pct of companies are to carry out a phased reopening with defined percentages or groups of employees readmitted over weeks or months. Meanwhile, 52 pct expect to give employees the option of working from home for the foreseeable future – although this varies widely according to the business sector and type of operation.

Roughly half of the 203 companies covered by the survey are introducing contact-free systems to improve hygiene. Most will be implementing social-distancing rules and providing their employees with face-masks, although less than a third will require these to be worn at all times in any company facility unless mandated by local authorities. The survey took place on May 4th.