How Companies Are Supporting Employees During the Pandemic

Covid-19 has posed various challenges to work life. As a response to this, many companies have taken steps to help employees. Some have provided more clear information to employees. Other have expanded support services.

McKinsey & Company’s Report “Women in the Workplace: The Impact of Covid-19” highlights what companies have done to address employees’ most important concerns. To address childcare/homeschool challenges, 88% of companies have been providing information about their companies paid leave policies. Approximately 46% of companies have started or expanded parenting homeschool resources.

When it comes to burnout, 51% of companies have communicated productivity expectations and plans for performance reviews during the crisis. And 37% of companies have changed their performance review process.

To address issues of mental health and well-being, 90% of companies have communicated a commitment to mental health and well-being of employees. In addition, 97% have communicated information about the company’s mental health services. Companies have also started or expanded mental health counseling (44% of companies), health check and healthcare services (41% of companies), personal well-being and enrichment programs (63% of companies), and bereavement counseling (8% of companies).

Finally, to combat financial anxiety, 86% of companies have communicated information about the company’s financial situation, while 69% have communicated information about how employees will be paid during the crisis (e.g., pay cuts or raises). And 37% of companies communicated announcements of no layoffs for a period of time. In addition, companies have started or expanded emergency loans/grants (28% of companies), stipends to offset the costs of working from home (33%), and job training and re-skilling (21% of companies).