Educate, Encourage, and Incentivize the COVID-19 Vaccination For Your Employees

A recent study, by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), found that employee benefits from absent workers caused by COVID-19 could cost employers more than $23 billion.

So, it's no surprise that many employers are eager to encourage their employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

The vaccine is seen as a light at the end of a tunnel by many, allowing a safe return to the workplace and driving economic recovery.

But, with one-third of Americans unwilling to get the COVID vaccination, the new challenge for employers is convincing employees to get vaccinated. Choosing whether or not to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine will be one of the biggest decisions for HR and company leaders this year.

Encourage Vaccination Through Communication & Education

With a slew of misinformation and fear surrounding the virus and vaccine, it's important to educate your employees. It's also important for your employees to know that you care for their health, their safety, and the benefits they will get from receiving the vaccine.

The CDC compiled COVID and vaccine information for employers of essential workers. We've highlighted key areas below.

COVID-19 Basics

It is known that infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can result in a range of illnesses, from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. About 30% of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not have symptoms. No one can predict how severe any person’s illness might be, but certain factors may increase your risk. Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill when infected, such as older adults or people with certain medical conditions, like diabetes, obesity, cancer, or heart disease.

• Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can result in a range of illness, from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
• We don’t know how SARS-CoV-2 will affect each person.
• Some people, such as adults 65 and older or people with certain medical conditions, are more likely than others to become severely ill.

• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
• Avoid close contact with others. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID Vaccine Basics

The COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection. Getting the virus that causes COVID-19 may offer some natural protection, known as immunity. But experts don’t know how long this protection lasts, and the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you.

• Getting the virus that causes COVID-19 may offer some natural protection, known as an antibody or immune. But experts don’t know how long this protection lasts.
• The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity.
• COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by building immunity without the risk of severe illness.

• Getting vaccinated can help prevent getting sick with COVID-19.
• People who have already gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated.
• COVID-19 vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.
• COVID-19 vaccines will not cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests.

• Cover you nose and mouth with a mask.
• Stay at least 6 feet from people who don't live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Encourage Vaccination Through Incentives

Another way to encourage employees to get vaccinated is through incentives, which could be more effective than mandates.

Numerous, large United States chains are offering their employees incentives. Dollar General will give its workers a one-time payment equivalent to four hours of pay after receiving a completed vaccination. Aldi and Trader Joe's are providing hourly workers two hours of pay for each dose of the vaccination they receive. Instacart is also providing some financial assistance for in-store workers and independent contractors.

3 Strategies to Encourage Your Employees to Get Vaccinated

1. Cover all available COVID-19 vaccines so your employees won't be turned away.
2. Offer employees on-site vaccinations or time off to be vaccinated. Studies show that 35%-60% of adults fail to get the second dose of a two-shot vaccine course, delaying herd immunity. 
3. Social influence matters. A recent study found that people followed guidelines when they thought their close social circle did. This social influence even matter more than whether participants thought it was the right thing to do or not. 

Use Your Employee Engagement Platform to Incentivize the COVID-19 Vaccine

If you already have an employee engagement program, motivate your employees to get their vaccine with points or a gift. You can also use the platform to educate about COVID, the benefits of the vaccine, preventative measures after the vaccine, and highlight employee success stories.

If you'd like to know how C.A. Short can help you build an incentive program for your employees, please contact us.

The COVID-19 vaccination is only one tool in the toolbox, and it will take time to vaccinate all Americans. It's important that everyone continue to wear a mask, avoid close contact with others, and wash your hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19.