According to the study, ongoing polarization around the issue of vaccination is likely to result in concerns regarding mandates and the potential loss of staff. However, data from the survey shows that employers with mandates (51%) are less concerned about the decision leading to a loss of staff compared to companies without mandates (85%). It also showed that organizations with mandates are less worried about the difficulty of recruiting new staff, 32% versus 65%.

While the lack of regulatory clarity has contributed to challenges in setting vaccine policies, participants seemed to be more aligned with plans for returning to the office. Seventy percent stated that they have already implemented a return-to-office policy; 97% of respondents said they have already or are considering expanding flexibility and remote work options, with 47% doing so to a great extent.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the world of work. Employees have become comfortable with not coming into the office, and given the current labor market, they have substantial leverage in asserting their preferences,” said Barry Hartstein, co-leader of Littler’s COVID-19 vaccination working group and co-chair of the firm’s EEO and diversity practice group.

Even with the majority acceptance of flexible work, 86% of respondents did say that maintaining work culture and pivoting to a hybrid work model is an ongoing concern. More than half of participants were concerned about applying the remote/hybrid model fairly to employees and expressed worries over efficiency of communication in meetings with a mix of remote and in-person staff.

When it comes to regulatory changes, 60% of employers anticipate a moderate or significant impact on their businesses as it relates to enforcement efforts and compliance efforts by state and local agencies, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

“Employers are being hit from all sides with new employment law-related challenges,” said Michael Lotito, Littler shareholder and co-chair of the firm’s Workplace Policy Institute. “As the hot labor market and the Biden administration continue to empower employees, these issues will only intensify in the year to come—underscoring the importance of staying up to date on policy changes and getting ahead of new and emerging risks.”

To adapt with the changes, employers are taking a range of actions to advance diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Sixty-eight percent have expanded paid sick leave policies in the last two years, and 65% saw increased benefits costs related to COVID-19.

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Originally Appeared Here