The rising number of delta variant cases has triggered return to workplace concerns for nearly half of US workers, according to new research from Eagle Hill Consulting.
Around 44% of working Americans say that the rise of the Covid-19 delta variant impacts their willingness to return to the workplace. Half of US workers say the variant has increased concerns about contracting Covid-19. Most workers say the variant means they will take extra precautions at work (61%) and in their personal life (64%). That said, employees indicate that they would feel more comfortable in their workplace (64%) than going to a restaurant (36%) during the ongoing pandemic.
The 2021 Covid-19 Vaccines and the Workplace Survey measures employee sentiment about Covid-19 vaccines; returning to the workplace; as well as testing and safety protocols. The workforce sentiment research comes as federal regulators have granted full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine; and as many employers announce delays in back to the workplace plans due to rising Covid-19 delta variant cases, hospitalisations and deaths; largely among the unvaccinated.
WORKPLACE RETURN DELAYS
“Approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a game changer for employers,” stated Melissa Jezior, President and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting. “With Food and Drug Administration licensing, more employers could mandate worker vaccinations. At the same time, the Covid-19 summer surge is upending employers return to the workplace plans. A large portion of the workforce is worried about the delta variant, and many employers are taking action. They’re delaying going back to the workplace, announcing vaccine mandates, and keeping health and safety protocols in place.”
The key for employers is to “remain flexible and listen to employee views so they are best positioned to navigate through even more Covid-19 uncertainty”, advised Jezior. “It’s even more important for employers to fully understand what employees want given the acute labor shortage. Unlike the early days of the pandemic, workers aren’t afraid to quit their jobs. Retaining talent means creating a culture and work environment – virtual or in person – that is aligned with employee preferences.
VACCINATION STATUS
According to the research, employees are split on actions employer should take before returning to in-person work. Employees are evenly split (50/50) as to whether employers should mandate vaccines before workers return to the workplace. Staff are now slightly more supportive (58%) of employers asking about worker vaccination status. Additionally, 60% of workers support employers offering incentives to vaccinated employees.
Intestingly, 41% of staff believe unvaccinated staff should pay higher insurance rates. Gen Z workers were least supportive of higher insurance rates (23%); while Baby Boomers were most supportive (45%), revealed the report.
Additionally, employees are increasingly supportive of punitive actions for unvaccinated employees, the poll reveals. More than half (63%) of workers say none-vaccinated employees should not be given special allowances to work from home; up from 55% in April, as reported. However, 51% say non-vaccinated employees should not be allowed to travel for work; up from 44% in April. Nearly half of workers (44%) say non-vaccinated employees should not be permitted to work in-person with customers; up from 39% in April. Around 40% of workers say non-vaccinated employees should be not allowed to work in-person with co-workers; up from 35% in April. Approximately three-quarters of workers (76%) say non-vaccinated employees should be able to stay with their employer; down from 83% in April.
WORKPLACE SAFETY PROTOCOLS
There is now also broad support for employer Covid-19 testing and safety protocols, according to the survey. Key findings show that:
- Regarding social distancing, 77% concur that employers should require or encourage social distancing.
- For temperature checks at the workplace, 67% say employers should encourage or require temperature checks.
- Regarding masks, 73% agree on employers requiring or encouraging mask use.
- When it comes to regular Covid-19 testing for all employees, 61% support employers requiring or encouraging testing.
According to another recent survey, three-quarters of US workers still have some anxiety about returning to work; with women more anxious about it than men. Click here to read more.
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