What Employers Should know About COVID-19 Immunization Mandates and Challenges, and How to Navigate Employee Requests Regarding Vaccination
COVID-19 has become an ongoing challenge for employers seeking to manage a productive workforce while setting policies that keep workers safe. The availability of effective vaccines in the US provided some relief and protection for employees’ health but created new issues that employers must navigate when considering absence requests and accommodations. Faced with conflicting legislation regarding vaccine mandates, along with employees asking for vaccine exemptions and related accommodations, the leave landscape has never been more difficult to navigate.
This paper provides an overview of federal and state vaccine mandates as well as guidance on how to manage related requests for accommodations including medical, religious, and “others”, with a focus on best practices and compliance considerations.