The Great Resignation is a thing. If you’re unhappy in your job, by all means leave. But please think twice before quitting because of a mandatory COVID19 vaccine requirement. Consider the consequences and what might be lost. Health benefits, hard-earned time off – or any other investment you have made in yourself, and your employer. Starting over is not for everyone.
Keeping Businesses Open during COVID19
A recent study by Qualtrics showed that 44% of people would quit their jobs if required to get vaccinated. Staggering.
Yet every day more employers are making the COVID19 vaccination mandatory. In fact, Employers with 100+ employees are now required by law to have everyone vaccinated. Its that and/or test the unvaccinated weekly. This is not only about employees, many of our candidates are being asked for vaccination proof prior to interviews. It is especially prevalent in the Health Care space (in both patient facing and back-office roles.) This is because businesses don’t want to take on the added risk of spreading COVID19 through their offices [and beyond] – both for your benefit and their own. It’s not only about keeping you safe, its about keeping their businesses running – and there is nothing wrong with that.
Worker shortages due to COVID19
Since the start of the pandemic many businesses are struggling, many have closed their doors. The palpable stress of public facing positions like health care workers, teachers, and retail and restaurant workers has become significantly worse.
As an example, educators are preparing for a teacher shortage like we have never seen before. A teacher in New York City tells me that COVID19 vaccination was mandatory for all public-school teachers in July 2019. They were required to get vaccinated within 3 months of the mandate being passed or be terminated. In their institution alone they lost 10 teachers across 3 grades – leaving those who stayed with an even tougher job.
COVID19 Mandatory vaccinations – dammed if you do, or don’t
But here is the thing – that same study shows ~38% may quit if mandatory COVID19 vaccination is NOT enacted. Because those folks want to feel safe in the workplace too. So, what is an employer to do?
Some would say they should allow individuals to make their own choices, and we agree. That said, part of that decision making process needs to be weighing out what you are giving up. Leaving a good job, with great benefits and time off, may cost you more than you think. Consider the economics of this entry level job for a family of three…
- Base salary: $35,000
- Paid Time Off (vacation/sick): 3 Weeks (4 after 2yrs) – $2000 – $3000 annually
- Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision: Paid at 50% for ee, 25% for spouse, 25% for child ($1000 per month)
- Annual employer pays ~$12,000
So, if this employee were to walk away they sacrifice over $15,000 in benefits. They are also unlikely to qualify for unemployment. That’s on top of the loss of the paycheck. Definitely something to think about.
COVID19 Religious Exemption
Religious Exemption is governed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The act states that companies “are not allowed to discriminate against employees who hold religious views different from the company’s policies.” This means that most Religious Exemptions will be granted as long as no undue hardship is imposed on the company. However, be aware, some states, like Connecticut and New York, are seeking to cut off religious exemptions. The argument centers around the fact that most religions, according to Vanderbilt University, have no prohibitions against vaccinations. So, an exemption you may have today, may not be supported tomorrow.
The Hire does not advocate you give up your beliefs and concerns to get vaccinated – we support your choice. But as a responsible agency that cares about our candidates and clients – we ask you think through the repercussions BEFORE you quit. Make sure you can handle it financially and emotionally. Because as open as the job market is now, there is no guarantee you will find something quickly. COVID19 has taken enough from all of us, and it’s not over yet!