COVID-19 Vaccine: What Employers Need to Know
January 14, 2021
As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, many employers are asking if they can require employees to get vaccinated, and what they can do if workers refuse. Please check out some of the common questions below.
CAN EMPLOYERS REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
In general, it is recommended for employers to offer vaccinations to employees on a voluntary basis; however, employers in most states may be able to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations as long as the employer complies with the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
WHAT SHOULD EMPLOYERS DO IF AN EMPLOYEE REFUSES TO COMPLY WITH OUR MANDATORY VACCINE POLICY?
While employers may be able to make vaccinations a condition of employment absent medical and religious accommodations, some employees may have general objections to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and employers need to decide how they will proceed in these circumstances.
WILL STATE OR FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE CERTAIN WORKERS TO BE VACCINATED?
Since COVID-19 is a pandemic, it is likely that federal or state regulations will mandate vaccinations for certain personnel such as health care workers. This would be similar to current requirements for the flu vaccine. Employers in these industries should watch for and defer to regulations specific to their workplace.
DO EMPLOYERS NEED TO HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE IF THEY ARE REQUIRING OR ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
Yes, employers should develop a policy outlining any requirement or recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace.
CAN EMPLOYERS TERMINATE AN EMPLOYEE FOR REFUSING TO GET A COVID-19 VACCINATION?
Absent a medical or religious exemption from a mandatory requirement, an employer may be able to make a COVID-19 vaccination a condition of employment and terminate employees who do not comply. However, employers should tread carefully with this practice and consult Legal counsel prior to making termination decisions.
WHERE DO EMPLOYERS STAND ON THE VACCINE AT THIS POINT?
When we dive in deeper to the question of whether to mandate vaccinations, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) more than half of organizations (55%) say they are unsure whether they will require employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination before returning to the workplace. Four out of 10 organizations (40%) will not insist on a COVID-19 vaccination before an employee returns to the workplace.
Generally, in healthcare settings the annual flu vaccine has been required with most medical offices but even still those same employers give an option for those who would like to waive the vaccination by wearing a mask during the flu season. We suspect that most medical groups are going to take the same stance with the COVID-19 vaccination and requiring a waiver to be complete by the refusing employee.
WHAT DOES RESEARCH TELL US ABOUT WHERE EMPLOYEES STAND ON TAKING THE VACCINE?
For many organizations, COVID-19 vaccinations are a matter of dollars and sense. In SHRM’s survey of employers, two-thirds (66%) say the COVID-19 vaccination is very or somewhat necessary for business continuity. Many employers won’t need to do much arm-twisting in terms of vaccinations, though: SHRM’s research indicates nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. workers say they are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to them. If an employer imposes a vaccine mandate, over half (55%) of U.S. workers say they’re extremely or very likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to SHRM’s research. Almost, one-fourth (24%) of workers, however, say they balk at getting the vaccine if their employer required it.
BUSINESS NECESSITY MAY VARY IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES
Context matters when deciding whether to mandate vaccines. “Health care, travel, retail or other businesses whose employees are at risk or who present a risk to others will have more business reasons to be “pro-vaccine” said Jon Zimring, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig in Chicago. “Office-based businesses or businesses that can rely on remote workers may find it easier to take a “personal-choice” stance”, he added.
As business owners and/or operators, staying informed and up-to-date as additional news and research becomes available will become increasingly more important as vaccines become more widely available to the general public. Your local SHRM is always a great resource for common questions and overall guidance; and consulting a Legal counsel will always be in your best interest on best practices and how to navigate your business through this next phase of the pandemic.
Hey Fresno – Here’s Our November Employee of the Month!
Nick is doing an amazing job in his placement and we are excited to have him on board. We look forward to a longterm work relationship with him!
– Hire Up Recruiting Manager
Ever wondered how we select our EOTM? Well, employee of the month isn’t just about who works the hardest or chosen at random… There are a number of characteristics and attributes that we look for in our EOTM Award recipients. We look for people who go above and beyond, people who know their job and do it well, people who love to learn. We look for people who are self-motivated, who are selfless – meaning they make sure the team is a focus just as much as they are as individuals, and who are trustworthy. We look for leaders, people with shining personalities, and people who take the initiative to do their best and excel in their position. All of these things are what qualify our candidates to become EOTM. The goal with this program is to make sure our teams feel valued and rewarded for being an all-star employee.
This month we’ve selected Nick to be our Fresno EOTM because he checks the box on a lot of these characteristics and we are truly impressed by his work ethic. His role in Business Development is working out wonderfully for our client and their company. Nick, keep up the great work that you are doing. You are setting an example for all employees in the field!
Some team members from our Fresno Branch went out to visit Nick on site earlier this month. They presented him with an official Hire Up Staffing EOTM award and some goodies for being awesome.
Are you an employee of Hire Up Staffing and interested in becoming the next Employee of the Month? Great news… YOU CAN! Just work hard in your position, stand out from the rest, be extra helpful, and do your best. If you are shining bright, someone will notice. If you are not yet and employee and are looking for a job or career, you’ve come to the right place! Click here for more information
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: I have been in my position for about 3 months now.
Q: Tell us something good about Hire Up.
A: I appreciate Sawyer and Maribel staying in touch and supporting me even after my placement.
Q: Tell us a little about your placement.
A: I’m working in business development. My role is to connect with local goverment and developers to showcase engineering solutions we can provide to current or future construction projects.
Q: Tell us why you love your job.
A: This is an exciting place to work. It is a very competitive market. Woking with and learning from the Fresno team has been an awesome experience so far.
Introducing Our Bakersfield EOTM for November
We were lucky to find such a wonderful employee to represent Hire Up Staffing! Keep up the wonderful work you are doing in your position.
– Hire Up Recruiting Manager
The month of November, for most, is a time to reflect on things that they are grateful for. As part of our Hire Up core values and beliefs as a company, we take that same concept and apply it to our work lives year around. We are THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for each and every employee and the service they provide for us and our clients. Employee of the month is one way we get to show our people how thankful we truly are! This month we chose Viviana Gonzalez, a rockstar Leasing Agent, as our EOTM for the Bakersfield area!
She’s been in her position for about 1 month and has proven to be an asset to the team. She shows up for work everyday ready to do her best, to help where help is needed, and to make sure everything gets done in an efficient and timely manor. She excels in all that she does, and for that we are THANKFUL! We are proud to have such a wonderful employee represent Hire Up in the field.
Some of our Bakersfield Branch team went out to visit Viviana on site earlier this month. They presented her with an official Hire Up Staffing EOTM award and some goodies for being awesome.
Are you an employee of Hire Up Staffing and interested in becoming the next Employee of the Month? Great news… YOU CAN! Just work hard in your position, stand out from the rest, be extra helpful, and do your best. If you are shining bright, someone will notice. If you are not yet and employee and are looking for a job or career, you’ve come to the right place! Click here for more information
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: I have been in my position for 1 month now.
Q: Tell us something good about Hire Up.
A: Hire up helped me find a job I enjoy almost immediately.
Q: Tell us a little about your placement.
A: I am a leasing agent for a local company where I show properties to prospects and future residents. I love it!
Q: Tell us why you love your job.
A: I love my job because I get to help people find a place they’ll love to live in.
Q: Tell us a fun blurb about yourself
A: I love helping my fellow colleagues and customers.
Congrats to Jasmin – Our November EOTM Visalia!
“She’s pushed through the hard times at work and is very determined to have her work speak for itself. I’m very proud of her and look forward to her being a future candidate for my client”
– Recruiting Manager
All of our employees placed in positions do great work.
The follow the job description to a t, and make sure everything gets done! The are some special cases who go ABOVE AND BEYOND in their placement. They do the extra, they are positive, they have a go-getter attitude! Jasmin is a great example of that so we are recognizing her as November Employee of the Month for the entire Visalia area! Thank you so much for all the hard work you do. WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Some of our Visalia Branch team went out to visit Jasmin on site earlier this month. They presented her with an official Hire Up Staffing EOTM award and some goodies for being awesome. One of our main focuses as a business is to make sure our employees are taken care of and feel appreciated. Employee of the Month is one of those initiatives so important to who we are! If you are looking for a job or career, you’ve come to the right place! Click here for more information
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: For 4 months!
Q: Tell us something good about Hire Up.
A: Hire Up is great at placing employees! The staff is super friendly.
Q: Tell us a little about your placement.
A: I am a Medical Assistant at FHCN.
Q: Tell us why you love your job.
A: I love my job because I get to have great interactions with friendly patients.
Q: Tell us a fun blurb about yourself
A: I love the medical field and I always keep moving forward.
Here is our Employee of the Month – Modesto
“She is doing great and we are happy to have her here part of our team.”
-Direct Supervisor
November flew by fast!!
Before it comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to recognize our Modesto shining star. She’s been a pleasure to have as part of our extended Hire Up team. She has represented our company well in her placement with her dedication and hard work. Congratulations – Lizette Delgado, Patient Service Representative for one of our top clients.
Some of our team from the Hire Up branch in Modesto visited Lizette on site at her placement and presented her with an official Hire Up Staffing award and special gift. We were able to capture the moment in the photo above! Hire Up staffing APPRECIATES all of our employees, especially ones that go above and beyond. If you are currently in a placement – work hard and you may be the next EOTM! If you are looking for a job or career, you’ve come to the right place! Click here for more information
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: For 3 months!
Q: Tell us something good about Hire Up.
A: I thank HireUp for giving me the opportunity to takes steps closer to my goals and further develop my skills. Each and everyday I am learning new things to make my professional future brighter.
Q: Tell us a little about your placement.
A: I am proud of what I do and 100% in my element when I am at work. I am thankful to be able to serve and help the patients who need my assistance.
Q: Tell us why you love your job.
A: I love that I get to learn and that I always feel challenged.
Hey Bakersfield! Meet Our October Employee of the Month!
Allison has done a wonderful job in her placement and we are excited to have her on board.
-Hire Up Recruiting Manager
We’d like to take a moment to give recognition where it is due! Employee of the Month is our favorite thing to celebrate every month. It’s a time when we get to honor those who go above and beyond. Those who set a great example and help our clients companies be their best. This month we presented our Bakersfield EOTM award to Allison! She is a Customer Service Representative for one of our top clients. She’s proven to be a true asset to the team at this large company. Thank you so much Allison for being amazing at what you do. Keep up the good work!
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up?
A: I have been working with Hire Up since August 2019!
Q: What do you like about working with Hire Up Staffing?
A: Hire Up has been proactive about trying to find me work and my experiences with them have been very positive. They’re friendly and helpful!
Q: What you your postion?
A: My position now is Customer Service Representative with Wonderful Citrus.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: My favorite part about what I’m doing is learning about the production and distribution side of citrus fruit. I get to learn something new nearly every day and implement problem-solving to provide the best customer service I can.
Q: Tell us a blurb about yourself!
A: I really like contributing to a business functioning as well as possible. It’s a very positive part of my life!
Introducing our October EOTM in Visalia!
“Ziying is an amazing, smart, and fast learner. Loved having her for our assignment.”
-Supervisor
Yes, it’s that time again!! We’ve searched every placement we have in the entire Visalia area for our October EOTM and we found Ziying Liu! She is an all-star office assistant for one of our top clients. She works hard and goes above and beyond her job duties. We are excited to have her represent Hire Up Staffing in the field. All of us at Hire Up Staffing give a big THANK YOU to Ziying! Keep up the great work you are doing.
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: A few months!
Q: Tell us something good about working with Hire Up Staffing:
A: Hire Up is a great company to work with and I enjoy it very much!
Q: Tell us a little about your placement:
A: I do data entry, scan documents, and search for files.
Q: Tell us why you love your job:
A: Everyone was very nice and passionate about their work!
Q: Tell us a little fun blurb about yourself (personal or career wise)
A: I am a very positive person and LOVE to travel!
Congrats Susan!! Our Fresno EOTM for October
We are extremely happy to have Susan as a part of our extended Hire Up team. She is doing great in her placement and we are so proud!
Hire Up Recruiting Manager
We are over the moon excited that we were able to present our Employee of the Month award to such a wonderful person! Meet Susan — she’s a hard working, highly skilled receptionist who goes above and beyond in her placement. She’s been with Hire Up Staffing for about 5 months now and we are LUCKY to have her! Thank you Susan for setting the bar so high.
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up?
A: I have worked for Hire Ups since July, 2019
Q: Tell us what you like about working with Hire Up Staffing:
A: Over the years I have worked for several staffing companies in Fresno, but have always felt like they didn’t care about me; even the largest one. When I stepped into the office at Hire Ups, I was greeted by Katelynn, who is like a breath of fresh air; then I was directed to Carolyn, who also was so kind and sweet, and I really felt that she cared about me and I felt this is the place for me. After only several days, Carolyn called me and she had gotten me an interview with Wawona. I have to say how important it is to care about your applicants and Hire Ups REALLY cares.
Q: Tell us about your position:
A: I was hired on a temp basis with Wawona as their Receptionist. I find the business fascinating since I didn’t really know much about this type of business. The staff is very nice, as are the principles of the business. I try my best to get along with everyone and keep a low profile, but there is one that is hard to talk to, so I stay clear. I am a Receptionist through and through, it is extremely easy for me and I love people, but, I have to be careful to really hold back the fun, lite person I am, for fear of getting in trouble. JoAna is such a mentor and really listens.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I know no matter what, I will depend on Hire Ups to help me with my job quest, whether here or somewhere else. I love an office that cares for their people, and makes the environment a warm one – appreciates and values their employees I previously worked for an attorney’s office, that did not appreciate their staff, and was always looking for new people, firing continually, when in fact it wasn’t the employees that were the problem but the attorneys. I want a company that values their staff.
Q: Tell us a fun blurb or fact about yourself!
A: A fun fact??? I know I can say I am honest, trustworthy, and caring to a fault. I showed Quarter Horses on a high level; my horses were in Texas and Kansas and I traveled most of the U.,S. showing halter horses. If I got to a show with a top horse that I was showing and had all my points for the World Show; and someone else needed points to make it in, I would tell the trainer to keep my horse out of the ring, so that person could win. I have always been a team player; and caring for the “other” guy was always my mission in life. God has blessed me, and if I can bless someone else I am glad to do that.
Check Out Our New Bakersfield Location at Our Open House!
We’ve got some truly wonderful news to share with you!!
Hire Up Staffing is rapidly expanding across California. One of our most recent locations has officially made its new home in Bakersfield, California. We wanted to take a few moments to highlight our wonderful team at this location with an introduction to each team member and talk a little about our branch.
The Hire Up Bakersfield branch is located at 5000 California Ave.,# 204
Bakersfield, CA 93309. We moved into our gorgeous office space a few months back and are extremely excited to be part of the community. Our goal in moving to Bakersfield is to help as many skilled candidates find amazing jobs and rewarding careers as possible. Equally, we strive to build strong teams for business and managers alike. We want to make the entire hiring process seamless for all parties involved and love that we are able to make what is otherwise considered a time consuming and difficult task, easy!
Now just because we are new to town, that doesn’t mean we’re new to staffing! We’ve have an abundance of experience in the industry and Hire Up has been a well-known brand nearly a decade! WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! We specialize in Staffing Solutions, HR Consulting, Employee Screening, and much more.
What would a new office space be without a party to show it off? We’d like to cordially invite you to our Bakersfield Open House!
Meet the newest business in town! Hire Up Staffing is a woman owned company with locations across California. We are excited to call Bakersfield our newest home and welcome you & guests to our open house event. Thursday, October 10th, 2019 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Here is our location: 5000 California Ave., Suite 204, Bakersfield, CA 93309 & Phone number: 661.379.8807 – You can RSVP by calling this number or by clicking the link below!
Meet Our Modesto EOTM for The Month of September
“Wes has been a fantastic employee! He cranks out the work like a machine while remaining human and personable with his co-workers. I’m so glad that I took the opportunity to hire Wes. I know he has a long and fruitful career ahead of him.”
Supervisor – Darcy Faegre
Drum roll please…. INTRODUCING…. Our Septmeber Employee of the Month from our newest Hire Up Staffing branch location, Wesler! He is hard working, always going above and beyond, and extremely self motivated. We are excited were able to place Wes in such a great fit position that both he enjoys and where he is excelling. Keep up the great work Wes!
EOTM Q&A
Q: How long have you worked with Hire Up Staffing?
A: I’ve worked at Hire Up Staffing for a few months..I’m not entirely sure but it is at least over 400+ hours!
Q: Tell us something good about Hire Up.
A: Hire up Staffing is a fantastic way to start a job, or even a Career! I placed an application in for a job I thought no one would even consider me for the position, but thanks to Stephanie, I got in interview almost instantly! Sometimes people just need a chance…I’m happy Hire Up Staffing noticed the potential in me!
Q: Tell us a little about your placement.
A: My placement was pretty smooth. I felt like I nailed the interview and the amount of support I was given before even having my actual interview was fantastic! Communication was on point and I felt I had all the tools needed to succeed.
Q: Tell us why you love your job.
A: I love my job because it’s in a field I’ve always wanted to push into. I excepted it to be strict and limited..but they treat you like an adult. They give you all the tools you need, don’t need and even didn’t know you needed. It’s up to you to ask questions and learn about those tools which is really exciting cause as you learn about many things, everything connects together as it all makes sense in the end. Even if you do learn it all, there are always more ways to improve any ideas and those ideas can be built upon! An ever evolving experience.
Q: A little fun blurb about you (personal or career wise).
A: Remember this…
“With a man’s soul and a strong back, go beyond the impossible and kick reason to the curb!” – Kamina