The COVID-19 season has hit the world from almost every angle. What has been even more disconcerting is the amount of controversy around the topic of covid vaccinations in the workplace. No matter which side of the fence you sit, nobody enjoys a divided house, we are inherently designed to enjoy and work together in unity.
We have seen people protesting and demanding rights while employers are doing their best to ensure they nurture a safe environment for everyone in the workplace. In fact employers have a legal obligation to keep the workplace safe, which can be tough to navigate. At the end of the day it’s safe to say that navigating concerns with the vaccine in the workplace is a challenge.
Take a look through some of the reasons why graduates are reluctant to get vaccinated and what you can do to guide your employees. There are various non-negotiable reasons why someone won’t or shouldn’t get the vaccine and there are compelling reasons why others should. If you are an employer, wisdom is absolute at this time.
Why are graduates reluctant to get vaccinated?
Deciding not to get the covid vaccination is a complex issue. It isn’t as simple as every ‘anti-vaxxer’ having the same perspective. The truth is that we can’t say they don’t care for their fellow employees either because psychologists who specialise in medical decision making say these choices need to be addressed with sensitivity.
Below are some of the reasons why graduates are refusing vaccinations.
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They are skeptical: some graduate employees or potential employees are skeptical about the virus and the vaccination while others are concerned about side effects.
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Religious beliefs: employees have been saying they refuse to get the vaccination on the basis of strongly held religious beliefs.
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Health reasons: requests for employees to avoid the vaccinations due to disability are straightforward for employers. It is possible for an employee to provide an employer with a document or proof from medical authorities which declares the vaccination is unsafe for them in their condition.
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Simply undecided: a vast majority of people don’t necessarily have a political or scientific agenda behind their reasoning, they are simply undecided on it.
What can employers do to guide employees?
As an employer it’s not easy to navigate this time, however it is possible. Here are some of the ways you can keep things running smoothly.
Make sure you’re up to date
As an employer you can make sure you’re up to date with the latest credible information. Your best bet is to stick with reliable healthcare sources, government and news media communication for the information you trust.
Be open to the conversation
It’s possible to be open to the conversation with your employees while maintaining a sense of professionalism and empathy. Aim to listen and understand, however, stick with the policies and procedures you’re comfortable with.
Prioritise educating your team
One of the biggest issues in the 21st century is misinformation. As a leader of an organisation, it’s important to ensure your employees are kept informed. Share knowledge with them on the current topics of interest and become an in-house thought leader. It’s important to encourage employees to think for themselves and contribute to the conversation well.
Navigating the covid vaccination programme within the office is not an easy ask for any employer. There are ways to navigate it with wisdom and to ensure you are above reproach from a legal and ethical perspective.