40: Percentage of small and mid-size business owners who say they are worried the slow rollout of COVID-19 vaccines will impede business operations
The slow rollout of the vaccine and how it will impede business operations are the biggest concerns about COVID-19 vaccination for small and mid-size business owners, according to a Paychex survey of 300 principals of U.S. companies with two to 500 employees.
What it means for HR leaders
Although COVID-19 vaccines have arrived, business owners report having a variety of concerns about inoculation, including the slow rollout of the vaccines. Among their other concerns are that the drugs won’t work as well as expected and how to let customers know their employees are vaccinated.
Also notable on the list of top vaccine concerns is figuring out the guidelines and the role of their company in getting employees vaccinated (cited by 19%) and refusal by some employees to receive the vaccination (18%).
Employers are seen as vital in helping boost vaccination rates, especially as many employees are showing reluctance to get the shot.
Related: Mayer: Don’t have a COVID-19 vaccine strategy? It’s time to make one
Although experts say employers’ role is important, vaccination is a big task for organizations, especially smaller businesses. Many employers are now deciding exactly what their role should be in vaccine strategy and if they should encourage or mandate vaccination for their employees.
“From the financial toll COVID-19 has taken on businesses to the confusion around returning employees to the office and what to consider when building a vaccination policy, business owners are facing a level of complexity never seen before,” says Mike Trabold, Paychex director of compliance risk.