WORKPL ACE ISSUES
Employers Unlikely to Mandate Covid Vaccinations By BARRY HARTSTEIN
T
he availability of Covid -19 vaccines means hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight, but it also raises urgent legal and administrative questions for employers about mandating and/or incentivizing vaccinations, making necessary workplace accommodations, and continuing other Covid-related safety policies while maintaining a strong company culture.
14
TODAYSGENERALCOUNSEL.COM APRIL 202 1
To better understand employers’ perspectives on these issues, Littler conducted a survey that was completed by more than 1,800 in-house counsel, human resources professionals and C-suite executives. When asked about mandatory vaccinations, employers expressed hesitancy. Less than one percent of respondents have made vaccinations mandatory for all employees, and just six percent plan to do
this once vaccinations are readily available and/or the FDA grants full approval. Nearly half have already decided not to implement mandates. Unsurprisingly, 64 percent of employers reported being concerned about the potential legal liabilities if an employee experienced an adverse reaction to the vaccine. Fifty-seven percent questioned the effectiveness of BACK TO CONTENTS
