While COVID-19 infections continue to increase around the US, most employees (72%) are working in-person in some capacity, 13% have a hybrid arrangement and the remainder are still working entirely remotely, according to a recent national survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Among workers who worked entirely remotely at any point during the pandemic but have now returned to the workplace at least some of the time, 45% report that the amount of work they are getting done has improved since returning to work in-person. However, nearly as many (41%) say the amount of stress they experience has gotten worse.

When it comes to the sources of stress from working in-person, employees most commonly cite balancing work with other responsibilities and being exposed to COVID-19 as actual or anticipated causes of stress. Fewer consider their commute or in-person interactions with coworkers as significant sources of stress.

Fifty-five percent of employees currently working entirely remotely think their overall level of stress would increase if they return to work in-person.  Specifically, the possibility of contracting COVID-19 and having to commute to the workplace are seen as possible stressors.

While the poll does not offer solutions, organizations might want to consider ways to alleviate these concerns, even if employees don’t express them.

To access all the results and the survey methodology, click here