Survey Finds Delta Variant Renews Employee Concerns

Most U.S. workers (61%) say the prevalence of the delta strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has lead them to take extra precautions at work, according to the 2021 COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace survey from Eagle Hill Consulting LLC. However, most employees (64%) also indicate they would feel more comfortable in their workplace than going to a public building such as a restaurant.

Conducted by Ipsos from August 8-11, 2021, this national survey includes 1,010 employees from across the U.S. The poll follows similar research conducted from April, February, and December.

The latest polling found employees are divided on actions employers should take before returning to in-person work:

• Survey respondents are evenly split (50/50) as to whether employers should mandate vaccines before workers return to the workplace
• Respondents are slightly more supportive (58%) of employers asking about worker vaccination status
• Workers are split as to whether employers should provide proof of vaccination, with 52% supporting a documentation requirement
• 60% support employers offering incentives to vaccinated employee
• 63% support employers instituting precautions for unvaccinated employees.

The survey also found employees are increasingly supportive of punitive actions for unvaccinated employees:

• 63% of respondents say nonvaccinated employees should not be given special allowances to work from home, up from 55% in April
• 51% say nonvaccinated employees should not be allowed to travel for work, up from 44% in April
• 44% say nonvaccinated employees should not be permitted to work in-person with customers, up from 39% in April
• 40% say nonvaccinated employees should be not allowed to work in-person with co-workers, up from 35% in April. 

“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. It’s even more important for employers to fully understand what employees want given the acute labor shortage,” said Melissa Jezior, Eagle Hill Consulting president and CEO. “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.”