According to an April survey conducted by University Human Resources (UHR), the vast majority of University of Iowa faculty and staff who are working remotely while campus is closed due to COVID-19 are remaining positive, feeling supported, and are coping well with the challenges of working from home.
This is good news for UI leaders who, in response to the declaration of a public health disaster emergency on March 17, directed all employees outside of UI Health Care to work remotely unless the critical function they provide must be completed on campus.
Survey results indicate that 94% of faculty and staff who responded feel supported by the university, 74% do not have in-home childcare responsibilities (for children younger than 12), 84% still feel positive about their work, and 94% say they have the resources to perform meaningful work to the best of their ability. In addition, 85% of respondents say they would be willing to work remotely one or more days a week after the restrictions are lifted.
“We are grateful to hear that our faculty and staff working from home are persevering and adapting to the challenges of this public health emergency,” says Cheryl Reardon, chief human resources officer and associate vice president.
During the week of April 20, UHR surveyed all faculty and staff, excluding UI Health Care, graduate assistants, postdocs, and any employees who are known to be essential and likely working from campus. Of the 7,351 survey recipients, 52% responded.
The university conducted the survey in April to identify areas of need and concern among employees and to determine how employees are adjusting to working from home. The most commonly identified resources that could make working from home more effective were equipment such as printers and webcams, faster and more accessible internet, and a dedicated workspace.
Most survey respondents reported that they have been able to maintain or improve their health and wellness. About three-quarters of those who responded say they have been able to practice stress management, eat the same or healthier food than before, and get the same or more sleep than before. About 57% say they are maintaining the same or greater levels of physical activity.
When asked about their concerns moving forward, the most common responses were the health and safety of their family, job security, personal health and safety, finances, and feelings of isolation.
The health and safety of the university community remains a primary concern for the university. UI leadership has communicated weekly with employees and directed anyone working from home to continue to do so until they receive different instructions from their supervisors. UHR is deploying resources to support supervisors of remote employees and is actively reviewing university policies and strategies to proactively address the needs of virtual office environments.
Read more details about the survey results at the UHR website.
Resources for faculty, staff, and students: