In March 2020, the workplace changed forever.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay home with little warning, while businesses quickly activated continuity plans and emergency public health protocols took effect. Employees adopted new ways of working as the pandemic continued, and waves of people changed jobs amid The Great Resignation. Customer expectations also evolved, affecting how entire industries operate.
Throughout the pandemic, Gallup measured how people’s work and lives changed. This effort included more than 400,000 surveys of U.S. employees over the past five years. The research revealed 12 ways workplaces have transformed since the onset of the pandemic. Here is a summary:
- The Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work
Before the pandemic, most remote-capable employees worked on-site. That changed dramatically in 2020, and today, over 80% of these workers have some degree of remote flexibility. However, maintaining productivity and culture in hybrid environments remains a challenge. - Declining Employee Engagement
After years of improvement, engagement levels hit a 10-year low in 2024. Many employees struggle with unclear expectations, reduced connection to their company’s mission, and a diminished sense of belonging. - A Growing Mental Health Crisis
Stress, anxiety, and negative emotions have surged since 2020. Employee wellbeing has dropped to record lows, with younger workers feeling particularly affected. - Struggles to Build a Wellbeing Culture
Although employers prioritize mental health and wellness, only 21% of employees strongly believe their company cares about their overall wellbeing. - The “Great Detachment”
Unlike the “Great Resignation,” where employees left jobs in droves, today’s workforce feels stuck. Job dissatisfaction remains high, but economic uncertainty makes job-hopping less feasible. - Ongoing Workplace Disruptions
Change is now constant. Employees and managers are navigating restructuring, increased responsibilities, and shifting market conditions. - New Customer Expectations
The pandemic reshaped customer demands, increasing pressure on businesses to improve digital experiences and service quality. However, employees report feeling less proud of their company’s offerings than ever before. - Burnout Among Managers
Managers are more stressed, disengaged, and at risk of quitting than the employees they oversee. Their role is increasingly complex, yet they remain key to organizational success. - Declining Workplace Respect
Employees report feeling less respected at work, particularly those required to return to the office after working remotely. - The Rise of AI in the Workplace
AI adoption is increasing, especially among white-collar workers, but usage remains relatively low. Employees using AI report greater productivity and efficiency. - The Need for Better Change Leadership
Strong leadership was critical during the pandemic, but change fatigue has set in. Clear communication and intentional leadership remain essential to navigating workplace shifts. - The Vital Role of Managers
Great management is a key driver of engagement, productivity, and business success. Weekly, meaningful feedback from managers significantly boosts employee motivation and performance.
Conclusion
The forced workplace experiment that began in 2020 introduced changes faster than anyone anticipated, reshaping how people work in ways once thought impossible. Five years later, the aftershocks remain. There have been valuable lessons about autonomy and efficiency: Many jobs can be done more independently than previously assumed. Yet, the increased physical distance has also created mental distance between employees and their employers, putting mental health and customer service at risk.
Managers’ roles are more complex and demanding than ever. Leaders are reevaluating what “workplace culture” truly means. The best-run organizations studied by Gallup have maintained strong cultures by continuously refining the role of the manager. Each employee has unique goals, strengths, and life circumstances, and managers are best positioned to understand and align these with business needs.
No matter how work evolves, great managers remain the foundation of resilient, productive, customer-focused cultures. Their role must be more intentional and streamlined than ever. The challenges are real — but so is the opportunity.
To read the full article, visit Gallup.
