Page 78 - Summer 2021

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on ASA Members
Tracianne B. Neilsen and Bonnie K. Lau
When the worldwide pandemic began in early 2020, normal routines were disrupted and life changed dra- matically for most of us: schooling moved online, the fortunate started working from home, childcare options became more restricted, and online video conferenc- ing replaced in-person meetings. In December 2020, the Women in Acoustics (WIA) Committee decided to conduct a survey of how the pandemic has impacted members of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) in five areas: (1) work productivity, (2) communication, (3) work enjoyment, (4) career advancement opportunities, and (5) dependent care. The survey, consisting of five rating questions and three open-ended questions, was distributed to members through the ASA e-mail listserv.
The 893 responses are summarized in Figure 1. Survey responses regarding dependent care are shown in Figure 2. A breakdown of groups responding to the survey is shown in Table 1.
This essay presents the general trends from the survey and highlights the groups that have been most negatively affected. Across the five focus areas, the restrictions of the pandemic have resulted in improved conditions for some participants, while many have been negatively impacted and others have not experienced big changes as a result of the pandemic. The distribution of responses across questions differs based on career stage, gender, and employment setting. Finally, from the open-ended ques- tions, we summarize several themes from the comments: (1) what ASA members have collectively missed, (2) what has been difficult, and (3) who ASA members have sup- ported. The comments also spotlight some silver linings and lessons that need to be remembered as we emerge from this pandemic.
Work Productivity
Work productivity declined during the pandemic for over 50% of the survey participants. Challenges with
78 Acoustics Today • Summer 2021 | Volume 17, issue 2
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Figure 1. Survey responses regarding work productivity (A) communication (B) work enjoyment (C), and career advancement opportunities (D; n = 893). Color coding is consistent across questions, with red indicating a large negative impact and yellow a large positive impact.
Figure 2. Survey responses regarding dependent care for those who indicated children at home (A) and no children at home (B).
https://doi.org/10.1121/AT.2021.17.2.01