Reopen or Stay Home? Connecticut Surveys Show Mixed Results

With unemployment rates and claims for unemployment benefits rising, Connecticut businesses are grappling with how to be more agile, moving their work online, and altering business-as-usual to safely return employees to work. The State has developed advisory groups such as Reopen Connecticut Advisory Board and hired consulting firms to understand and plan for the next phase. These efforts assume that employees feel safe returning to work and that businesses have enough reserves to manage through the crisis. 

Survey Results Suggest That May Not Be The Case in Connecticut.

Business Operations

Connecticut small businesses reported disruptions to their workforce and operations, such as loss of revenue, closures, and layoffs, with expected disruptions to last for months, not weeks.

Economic Outlook

Connecticut small businesses shared concerns about the economic outlook for the state and their companies, including having postponed investments due to the pandemic.

Returning to work

Despite approximately 7 in 10 residents reporting that the Connecticut economy is not so good or poor, survey data suggests that the majority of Connecticut residents do not support reopening businesses and returning to work. 

Even when the state reopens, Connecticut residents reported feeling uncomfortable going to certain types of businesses and events. While over half reported they would feel comfortable visiting friends, going to parks, and going to the beach, very few Connecticut residents would feel comfortable getting on an airplane, using public transportation, or going to a large sporting or entertainment event. Results were mixed about going back to work, with 48% of respondents saying they would feel comfortable going to work outside of the home and 45% saying they would feel uncomfortable (7% did not know or did not respond).

About the surveys

The COVID-related surveys and polls described in this blog post were each conducted by trusted and reputable sources. It should be noted that surveys are self-report measures that rely on responses from a subset of the population and therefore include a margin of error. Additionally, each survey was conducted during a different time period during the pandemic, which likely impacts responses.

While many are hopeful for the state to reopen, the data tells us that the majority of residents do not feel comfortable right now. The path to reopen Connecticut depends on numerous factors, but you can count on CTData to keep you informed every step of the way. Stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletters and following us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.