SMEs are worried about the return to work according to numbers crunched by JumpCloud.
The 2021 impact of Covid-19 on SMEs survey revealed that there were different attitudes from firms in Greater London, with 72.8 percent taking steps to mandate vaccinations, compared to just 44.9 percent in the rest of the country. That also correlated with areas outside of London being less likely to drive vaccinations.
The Delta Variant seems to be causing some delays and caution among SMEs that are pushing back-office reopening until the back end of the fourth quarter, or into next year. The JumpCloud survey found that 53.2 percent of respondents are currently rethinking the plan to return to the office and 14.8 percent have already delayed getting staff back in the office.
Hybrid working is an option for an increasing number, with 70 percent of SMEs on both sides of the pond offering the option to work remotely as a permanent option.
JumpCloud CEO Rajat Bhargava said:“SMEs continue to exhibit great resourcefulness, flexibility and initiative in responding to the pandemic and the Delta variant.”
Some of those responses include requiring social distancing in the workspace, limiting numbers in the office, and requiring masks be worn. Others have invested in air filters and have put dividers up to keep staff separated.
“As an SME ourselves, we know the current conditions are extremely fluid. Like the majority of respondents, we had to rethink and delay our office return and hybrid workplace options”, added Bhargava.
It helps that the majority of workers at SMEs are understanding about the measures and the delays, and support decisions being made by their employers. Almost three-quarters of staff at UK SMEs agreed with the plans their bosses put in place.
