Resolving Workplace Vaccination And Mask Conflicts: 5 FAQS As Workplaces Reopen

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters a new phase in the United States and employees return to the workplace, some employers may need to face controversial issues regarding vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. Below are some considerations for employers as they take steps to prevent or resolve workplace disagreements regarding vaccines and other workplace safety measures to help employees focus on work.

What types of employee relations conflicts may arise in the workplace between workers over vaccinations?

The increasingly politicized nature of vaccines and the prevalence of misinformation online may lead to conflicts between employees and increased workplace tensions. For example, employees may assume others have not been vaccinated and treat employees who have not been vaccinated as unsafe. Employees may see another employee's social media comments as adverse to vaccinations but refuse to wear a mask in the workplace. In each instance, employers may want to be