Vaccine Mandate Data Helps Guide Corporate Policies

The Big Idea 

Companies weigh the benefits and costs of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for employees worldwide. Regionally, policies and their implementation differ. In the U.S., companies have begun strictly requiring vaccinations; in Europe, privacy laws limit their companies' ability to do so. In Australia, the Fair Work Commission ruled against an employer mandate as "not lawful and reasonable." As corporates navigate this issue, their decisions have far-reaching consequences - employees, consumers, and activists are watching.

RepTrak Perspective

Among the global population, March RepTrak data showed over half of the public (55%) believed companies should require mandatory vaccines for in-person employees. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists into 2022, companies face challenges meeting expectations around safe working conditions while balancing economic and social repercussions.

Reputation Context

Why is this important?

Companies face challenges around talent acquisition and retention. Prospective employees are making workplace decisions grounded in their priorities and beliefs, including COVID-19 policies; businesses must acknowledge the appeal of these intangible values.

• November RepTrak global data indicated that only 8% of the public would stop working if employers mandated vaccines. • Additionally, 65% of individuals believe working in a vaccine-mandated environment would make them feel safer than one where vaccines are optional.

These metrics signal that the public broadly values employers who activate COVID-19 guidelines, which is a positive indicator for business leaders debating whether to adopt vaccine mandates.

How could vaccines mandates affect regions of the world differently? 

Regional differences carry varying viewpoints on vaccine mandates, reflected in regional vaccination rates: about 89% of Australians (+18) are fully vaccinated compared to 78% of EU citizens and 61% of the United States population. These global disparities also diverge consumers' attention to corporate vaccine mandates and their influence on supportive behaviors.   • November RepTrak data showed over half (53.3%) of the public in APAC said their willingness to buy products and services from a company would change if it required employees to be vaccinated.  • Comparatively, respondents in the Americas and EMEA are less persuaded by companies requiring employees to be vaccinated, stating their willingness to buy products and services would change 48.2% and 32.7%, respectively.

Convo Starters

How can your company increase communication and visibility on emerging COVID-19 regulations with employees?

What reputational complexities could arise if you do or do not mandate vaccines?

Moving into the new year, what steps can you take to identify your stakeholders' values and concerns around company-enforced vaccine mandates?