More than 80% of middle-market CEOs say they are likely to allow for a partial remote workforce even after the Covid-19 pandemic is over, according the most recent CEO survey from Marcum LLP and Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business.

A permanent shift to a partially remote workforce was cited most often by CEOs when asked to predict long-term business changes as a result of the pandemic, with 82% of those surveyed saying they were likely or very likely to permit some employees to work from home.

“There is no doubt that workplace practices, policies and behaviors will be changing permanently in many ways, post-Covid,” said Janet Lenaghan, dean of the Zarb School of Business. “Mid-market CEOs clearly recognize that giving people flexibility is a smart business strategy that leads to greater productivity.” 

Some executives reported reducing real estate exposure and increasing the talent pool through remote work.

In addition, 45% of CEOs said they will require employees to be vaccinated against Covid if it is legal to do so, and another 36% said they would offer incentives to employees to get the vaccine.

The survey polled the leaders of 251 companies with revenues ranging from $5 million to more than $1 billion.

Long-term business changes brought on by Covid will also include revising strategic plans to mitigate future risks exposed by the crisis (cited by 80%) and building resiliency against supply chain disruptions (77%).