A Gartner survey of HR leaders reveals that 90% of respondents plan to allow employees to work remotely at least part of the time, even after the Covid-19 vaccine is widely adopted.
In addition, 65% of respondents reported that their organization will continue to offer employees flexibility on when they work.
As discussions around the forthcoming Covid-19 vaccine continue, 109 HR leaders who responded to Gartner’s survey predict that about 50% of the workforce will want to return to the workplace – at least part time – once a vaccine is made widely available.
“With a Covid-19 vaccine rollout approaching, HR leaders are now faced with an onslaught of questions, including if they can or should require employees to be vaccinated, what the employer’s responsibility is in helping employees and their families get vaccinated, and how the release of vaccines impacts their return-to-the-workplace strategy,” says Elisabeth Joyce, vice-president of advisory in the Gartner HR practice.
Sixty-two percent of 118 HR leaders surveyed reported that they are planning to continue all safety measures they have put in place once a Covid-19 vaccine is available. Nearly one-third of respondents noted they would no longer require masks in the workplace nor enforce social distancing in high-traffic areas.
“Right now, organizations are considering different policies for employees who receive the vaccine and those who do not,” says Joyce. “What is most critical is that HR leaders are making these decisions with the expectation that they may need to course correct as we learn more.”
Several geographic regions are currently experiencing a Covid-19 resurgence, requiring employers to take action to maintain the health and safety of their workforce. Among 136 HR leaders surveyed, 46% said their organisation has already, or will, shut down offices that had previously been reopened; 37% reported extending new benefits to employees, such as childcare assistance and additional sick leave.
When a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available, 60% of 116 HR leaders surveyed said they will encourage employees to get vaccinated, but it will not be required. Sixty percent of respondents reported they will provide resources to employees on where and how to get vaccinated and 44% said they plan to cover or subsidise the costs of the vaccine for employees.
“While there are concerns around the Covid-19 vaccine, including privacy and data security, ultimately, there are many factors involved in making decisions around an organisation’s vaccination strategy, including local government regulations,” said Ms. Joyce. “Therefore, it is critical that HR leaders work closely with their legal and compliance partners.”