Insights: American Work Habits Have Been Altered

The latest Westwood One blog looks at how the outbreak of the Coronavirus has shifted the American workforce and altered habits. 

Commissioned by CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One, Ipsos conducted a national study to understand the current landscape.

• During the week of March 9-13, 11% of Americans who normally work outside the home worked from home. 19% of those in the Northeast worked from home.
• For the week of March 16-20, 77% of those who work outside of the home say they will go to work. 23% will stay home the week of March 16-20, 2020.
• Income is a factor contributing to whether workers will work from home or travel to a workplace. 26% of workers who make over $50,000 say they will work from home the week of March 16-20. Only 14% of those making less than $50,000 will work from home the week of March 16-20
• American commuters are avoiding public transportation. 55% of those who normally use public transportation are already, or planning on, using it less. Those who use a car or truck to get to work are already, or planning on, sticking to that mode of transportation. 78% of car/truck users say they are using, or planning on using, their vehicle about the same. 13% say they are using, or planning on using, their car/truck more.
• Among those who say they will work from home the week of March 16-20, 35% typically get to work via public transportation, walking, or using some other means besides a car or truck. Among the 77% of workers who say they will go to work the week of March 16-20, the vast majority (90%) typically use their vehicle.
• Nearly one in five (18%) heavy AM/FM radio listeners, those who listen to more than 5 hours each week, say they will be listening even more to AM/FM radio due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Additionally, 20% of heavy AM/FM radio listeners say they will be listening more to news reports on AM/FM radio. Nearly one-third say they will be consuming more news online and news on TV.