The Vaccine & The Workplace: Employee Attitudes

As the U.S. starts administering the coronavirus vaccine, the good news is that the end of the pandemic is in sight. Employers, however, may face new issues and decisions when it comes to vaccination and the workplace. Should employers mandate vaccines before employees return to the workplace? Will employment be at risk if an employee refuses vaccination? Will certain employees be exempt? Who will pay for any future employer mandated COVID-19 testing and vaccines?

Employee Support?

“Employers must get in front of the vaccine issue today,” said Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting. “There has never been a more crucial time for meaningful employee engagement, which could make or break organizations already struggling. It won’t be enough to just announce vaccine plans to employees.” She adds, “Instead, leaders are prudent to engage in conversations to understand the views of their workforce now… For example, employee incentives—rather than mandates—might be more appealing to workers.”

According to a national survey conducted by Eagle Hill, 49% of working Americans believe employers should require COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace. “The workforce clearly is split on employer vaccine mandates, so it’s going to be contentious no matter where an employer lands on inoculation requirements,” said Jezior.

Masks & More

The research also finds that even when a vaccine is in place, the vast majority of workers want employers to require or encourage masks, social distancing, COVID-19 testing, and temperature checks.