All Star - Blog listing page

Very! Gallup reports that U.S. workers are among the most stressed in the world: 57% of North American workers (U.S. and Canada) report feeling increased stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with 43% globally. Experts predict that a focus on the health and wellness of employees will be a key predictor of future success.

Nearly 1 month into President Biden’s push for one million COVID-19 vaccinations to be distributed in his first 100 days in office – his own version of “Warp Speed” – there are numerous reports of certain factions of the population resisting the shot. As many as 30% of the military personnel say they have no plan to get it, which is troubling when you consider that National Guardsmen will be tasked with administering the vaccines in certain areas and may be of the same mind set. It has also been reported that several NBA players are reluctant to get the shot and therefore unwilling to perform in PSA’s promoting it.  In total, some 40% of Americans still have no plans on getting either of the vaccines available. To combat this in the private sector, numerous employers with a vested interest in vaccinated employees have begun taking a different tact towards those reluctant to receive the shot; cash incentives.

The pandemic has affected every business and every employee. When businesses make necessary accommodations and transition employees to a work-from-home environment, it is tempting for companies to focus on the immediate crisis and put employee programs on the back burner. Putting employee programs on hold may be the worst thing businesses can do.