As employees begin returning to the workplace, how can employers keep their employees safe, accommodate their concerns, and minimize liability? What are the challenges and risks of instituting a vaccine mandate? Join Jeanine DeBacker, employment law attorney at McPharlin Sprinkles & Thomas LLP, and Brie Linkenhoker, PhD and Founder of Worldview Studio, as they provide guidance and clarity on these questions and others. We address several topics, including:
- Vaccine mandates
- Privacy issues
- Accommodation requests
- Masking protocols
- Employee education resources
Note: The content of this presentation is not to be considered legal advice. We recommend Clients speak with legal counsel specializing in labor and employment law to ensure your organization meets requirements.
Additional Resources
Employer Action Plans
COVID-19 Vaccine Education
- Department of Health & Human Services Communication Toolkit
- COVID-19 FAQ’s from the Ad Council
- COVID-19 FAQ’s from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Model Mandatory/Voluntary Vaccine Policy Memo to Employees
Mandatory Vaccination Option
Date:
To:
From:
Subject: Mandatory Vaccination Policy
[Company name] has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective [date] requiring [disease name(s)] vaccination(s) for all employees. In accordance with [Company name]'s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our employees and their families, our customers and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations. In making this decision, the executive leadership team reviewed recommendations from [insert department names or other organizations consulted such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and local health officials].
All employees must receive the vaccination no later than [date]. Individuals seeking an exemption from this requirement for medical or religious reasons should complete a request for accommodation form and submit the form to the human resources department.
Vaccinations will be administered by [insert details regarding who will provide the vaccine and where employees must go to receive the vaccine].
[Company Name] will pay for all vaccinations and the time spent receiving the vaccinations.
Should you have any questions regarding this new policy, please contact [name and contact information].
Voluntary Vaccination Option
Date:
To:
From:
Subject: Voluntary Vaccination Policy
[Company name] is implementing a voluntary vaccination policy effective [date] regarding [disease name(s)] vaccination(s) for employees. In accordance with [Company name]'s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we strongly encourage employees to receive this vaccination to minimize the risk of infectious disease in our workplace. In making this decision, the executive leadership team reviewed recommendations from [insert department names or other organizations consulted such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and local health officials].
Employees may obtain the vaccination wherever they choose; however, [Company name] is facilitating vaccinations through [insert details regarding who will provide the vaccine and where employees can go to receive the vaccine]. [Company Name] will pay for all vaccinations and the time spent receiving the vaccinations.
Should you have any questions regarding this new policy, please contact [name and contact information].
