Delta variant leading to 'back-to-office' apprehensions

The rise of the COVID-19 delta variant is influencing 44% of U.S. employees’ willingness to return to workplaces, with 55% reporting the variant has increased their concern of contracting COVID, according to a survey by Eagle Hill Consulting.

Additionally, the poll showed a majority of workers support employers putting in place COVID-19 safety protocols and testing. Nearly 80% support social distancing to be required or encouraged, while 73% agree employers should require or encourage mask use. Temperature checks and testing saw less support, with just 67% and 61%, respectively, thinking employers should require or encourage such measures.

Related: A 3-point plan to alleviate employees’ return-to-office anxiety

While most support workplace safety protocols, sentiment is split evenly regarding vaccine mandates, according to Eagle Hill. Opinions on providing proof of vaccination status are also split fairly evenly, with 52% in favor of requiring verification. Slightly more workers surveyed, 58%, were supportive of employers inquiring about a worker’s vaccination status.

“The key for employers is to remain flexible and listen to employee views, so they are best positioned to navigate through even more COVID-19 uncertainty,” Melissa Jezior, president and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting, said in a release. “It’s even more important for employers to fully understand what employees want given the acute labor shortage. Unlike the early days of the pandemic, workers aren’t afraid to quit their jobs. Retaining talent means creating a culture and work environment — virtual or in person — that is aligned with employee preferences.”

With the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine receiving approval, Jezior said more employers could mandate workers receive it.

“At the same time, the COVID-19 summer surge is upending employers’ return to the workplace plans,” Jezior said. “A large portion of the workforce is worried about the delta variant, and many employers are taking action. They’re delaying going back to the workplace, announcing vaccine mandates, and keeping health and safety protocols in place.”

Although 63% of workers said employers should institute precautions for unvaccinated employees, an equal amount (63%) believe special work-from-home allowances for unvaccinated workers shouldn’t be included in those precautions.

Since they were polled in April, workers showed increasing support of excluding unvaccinated co-workers from certain activities, such as working with customers in person. For example, 55% of those recently surveyed said unvaccinated employees should not be allowed to travel for work, up from 44% in April, Eagle Hill reported.

Read more: 

• 8 ways to make the office safer (and more inviting) for returning employees
• Balancing the return to work with mental wellbeing
• Return-to-the-workplace tools for employers large and small: Workplace safety