COVID-19 Impacts

How the virus has impacted supply chain, regulations and working environment

How has the virus impacted your supply chain?
(Rate impact from '1 = No Impact' to '5 = Significant Impact')

COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns has changed almost every aspect of life for billions globally. Within the life sciences, 87% of respondents say their supply chain has been impacted in some way, though more encouragingly, only 21% reveal 'significant impact'. However, this number rises to 35% for Asian respondents.

Where are you currently working? (Split by region)

Globally, just 14% of respondents are working at the office/lab full time*, with more than two thirds working at home full time. Whilst North American and European respondents matched closely, a higher proportion of Asian respondents are at the office/lab (19%).

*At time of survey (14-22 April 2020)

What are the new challenges and/or changes created by COVID-19 and associated measures that are most impacting you at the moment? (Selected responses)

"It is difficult to ensure social distancing when working in a lab environment. Some procedures call for 2 people working beside each other. Additional PPE has to be worn which can cause discomfort to the operator."
"Working from home is not an option for a person dealing with in-vitro lab work."
"Not having enough product to cover all the domestic and international demand."
"Maintaining operational efficiency with reduced staff compliment (some working from home less efficiently due to poor rural broadband)."
"Maintaining mental health - both my own employees and our collaborators."
"Increased cost of inputs, services and supplies. Unable to move easily and get what is demanded."
"I am a mother, wife and employee. I need to balance all these. It is really tricky since I need also to act as a teacher and do my normal expected duties at work."
"Conveying the seriousness of the current threat of COVID-19. Many colleagues and clients expect all business to continue as usual and request unnecessary things such as in-person meetings - many believe that our economy supersedes the wellbeing of citizens."
"A lot more work 12-hour days, 7 days a week, to try to accelerate time to market."
"Home working, balancing work and family (considering schools are also closed so the kids are home schooling)"