Survey asks workers: Should employers require COVID-19 vaccination?

Mill Valley, CA — Seventy percent of workers want their employer to require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before fully reopening the office, according to the results of a recent survey commissioned by job research and review company Glassdoor.

Between Feb. 16 and Feb. 18, researchers from the Harris Poll surveyed 571 U.S. adults who were working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the respondents, 23% said they’d think about quitting their job if they’re required to return to the office before all employees have been vaccinated.

Other notable results:

• 86% of the respondents said they’d prefer to continue working from home – at least part time – even after their offices reopen.
• 76% planned to get vaccinated when they’re eligible to do so.
• Almost 70% agreed that employers should offer incentives (e.g., paid time off, cash bonuses) to get vaccinated, while slightly fewer said they’d be more willing to do so if given an incentive.

“COVID-19 has triggered a new wave of employee expectations, from incentives to get a vaccine to more flexible work options, even after it’s safe to return to the office,” Carina Cortez, chief people officer at Glassdoor, said in a blog post on the company’s website. “Employers must take employee feedback into account to determine what is best for their workforce, including how to best support employees who plan to get the vaccine, and employees who do not.”