Aon survey explores effort to 'accelerate workforce agility'

Global professional services firm Aon has released the results of a new COVID-19 Pulse Survey focused on how companies are rethinking their human capital strategies in response to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Conducted from August 17 to August 25, 2020, Accelerating Workforce Agility and Resilience features insight from more than 2,000 human resources leaders and professionals who participated.

According to their responses, keys to success include attracting diverse employees, creating inclusive cultures, and implementing solid remote working arrangements. 

“This study demonstrates how companies are actively preparing for the future of work,” said Michael Burke, chief executive officer for Aon’s Human Capital business. While continuing to struggle with the “acute challenges” of the pandemic, he added, “the degree to which firms are focused on improving workforce agility and making remote working effective is incredible.”

Brief summaries of findings are listed below. To review the entire survey, click here.

Workforce agility is vital to the future success of organizations, but agility gaps are widespread

Globally, 84% of the respondents view the ability to quickly move employees into new roles or areas to support changing business needs (aka “workforce agility”) as very or extremely important to future success. However, only 39% of survey respondents currently view their workforces as very agile or extremely agile.

Diversity and inclusion are viewed as key to improving workforce agility

When survey respondents were asked to assess 10 key factors needed to build and maintain an agile workforce, the ability to attract and retain diverse employees and create an inclusive culture ranked near the top.

Making remote working better is a priority

As more companies announce plans to expand or extend remote working arrangements for employees, they are also providing new tools and programs to improve the productivity and wellbeing of their remote workforce.

Supporting workforce resilience is a work in progress

Helping employees address acute challenges related to the pandemic remains an ongoing and evolving challenge for companies. Globally, 59% of survey respondents say their companies have taken some action to support working parents who may not have the ability to send their children to on-site schools or other childcare facilities. However, most of these efforts are currently tied to enhancing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and expanding networking groups for parents.

Additional survey findings

For complete study results by region and industry, including additional data on performance management practices, rewards programs, workforce actions including layoffs and furloughs, the state of hiring, and adjustments to time-off policies, click here.