Are you ready to get back to some sense of normalcy and restart work? As an employer, owner, or CEO, you’re looking for the fastest way to restart business as usual.
In the last year, we’ve navigated unprecedented conditions in business, culture, and the workplace. What are the best innovative policies to restore a safe and healthy work environment?
Here are 6 ways to encourage a safe return to normalcy.
Offer Incentives To Encourage Vaccination
Californians tend to value choice and love freedom.
A recent Harris poll confirmed that 69% of employees would prefer incentives for getting vaccinated than be required to participate.
If you’ve been contemplating what to do about vaccine policy, consider the pros and cons. This action may help you achieve peace of mind. However, it may create unintended negative consequences.
Some people will not agree to mandatory vaccinations. This may be due to an individual’s concerns about vaccine efficacy, disability, or sincerely held religious beliefs. A mandate could create a contentious environment at work. It may also open the door to expensive and extensive lawsuits.
Offer Practical Incentives
Popular incentives to encourage employees to get immunized are cash bonuses, paid-time-off, and travel vouchers.
Many employees are eager to get back to work. After a year of reduced hours, remote working, and social distancing, many employees appreciate incentives. Paid time off may not seem like a big bonus, but for cash-strapped employees, it can be highly motivating.
While California does not require businesses to pay for vaccination appointments, other states are taking a different route. Recently, New York passed a law that mandates employers to pay for time off, for vaccination appointments. This mandate extends to businesses, whether or not they require compulsory vaccination.
Inspire and Reward Good Behavior
Some companies and organizations are going even further to inspire vaccinations and reward good behavior.
Houston Methodist, a large hospital in Texas offers $500 for employees. The CEO calls it a “hope bonus” and offers it to employees who get a COVID-19 vaccination.
In Pennsylvania, Gracedale, a county nursing home, offers $750 to each employee who gets a COVID-19 vaccine. Many workers were on the fence about getting immunized, and Gracedale hopes that this incentive will help some hesitant people decide to get vaccinated.
Here in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is encouraging firefighters to get immunized. They are offering prizes such as home security cameras, entertainment systems, bicycles, and gift cards to motivate firefighters to get vaccinated.
As you’re considering ways to inspire good behavior, think about what would truly motivate your employees. If you aren’t sure, ask your employees to help design a meaningful incentive program.
Communicate Current Policies
What are your current policies for hiring, firing, and remote working? Communicating current policies is one of the best ways to create a healthy work environment.
Post any changes and updates about your organization’s employee background check. Clarify policies regarding sick leave, time off, and remote working. Share stories and successes featuring benefits for employees.
It’s important to keep your employees informed and up-to-date about your organization’s policies. By making your policies clear, you can foster a corporate culture of transparency and trust.
Exercise Caution
As the pandemic laws change rapidly, California employers are exercising caution. Although mandating vaccinations may be technically legal, many employers prefer a more cautious approach.
California employers are keen to respect employee rights for voluntary immunization. Many workers have religious beliefs or disabilities regarding immunization. By exercising caution, employers can encourage personal choice and foster a respectful environment.
Model Behaviors For Public Safety
While many people are anxious to return to work, the exact specifics for a healthy work environment continue to emerge. The CDC is constantly updating guidelines and protocols for workplaces. Following these practices helps to create, maintain, and sustain a healthy environment.
Many CEOs and business owners are making an extra effort to model safe practices. They are showing their practices in daily activities, on video, and in Zoom calls. Employees notice when their leaders practice safe hygiene such as hand washing, wearing facemasks, and maintaining social distance. By modeling safe practices, owners are likely to inspire their workers to do the same.
Sum Up
California employers are eager to encourage their employees to get back to work. By inspiring participation in vaccination programs, employers can model the way forward.
Now is the time to move forward, restart businesses, and restore a sense of normalcy.
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