7 COVID-busting benefits that will help employees return to work

From modest enhancements to comprehensive programs, employer-sponsored benefits can meet the needs of employees in the COVID-19 world and address COVID-19 workplace risks. (Photo: Shutterstock)

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” The old adage suggesting growing affection when two people are apart appears to apply to the modern workplace as well. In a recent survey by workforce technology firm Envoy, an overwhelming 90% of 1,000 U.S. full and part-time employees miss the workplace and 94% want to spend at least one day a week in their office. It’s understandable because U.S. workers have historically spent so much time in the office.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, 82% of employed persons did some or all of their work at their workplace and 24% of employed persons did some or all of their work at home on days they worked. These are pre-COVID numbers. Though statistics are not yet available, it is a foregone conclusion that a large share of U.S. workers are now performing many work tasks at home.