Can we require our TMs to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
We do not require our TMs to be vaccinated but highly recommend everyone to avail the vaccines we provide, especially for TMs with potential co-morbidity. We do not recommend TMs with a medical condition, perhaps including pregnancy, that would be considered at risk, or a covered condition under state or local laws, that may impact them, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In other cases, a TM may have a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. In any circumstances, such TMs may decide not to get vaccinated, but will need to advise their managers and may no longer be able to take part of the team and company’s activities.
How can I encourage my TMs / other TMs to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
According to the Paychex Snap Poll, 79% of SMBs (10-500 employees) plan to encourage employees to get the vaccine.
Our policies encourage vaccination and we are supportive of it. We encourage all TMs without discrimination to be vaccinated and work on reducing potential barriers to receiving the vaccine, purchasing vaccines for all our TMs and taking on the administration logistics, so that it is safe for them to be vaccinated.
Once we get to know more about the logistics to administer the vaccines, we will know if additional adjustments and accommodations are necessary to allow our TMs to get vaccinated.
What can I do if an employee refuses or is unable to be vaccinated?
As mentioned, if an employee cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition, or due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, the managers, together with IO, will need to determine whether the unvaccinated employee would pose a direct threat to themselves or others in workplace, and whether they can be reasonably accommodated to enable them to continue performing their job. Reasonable accommodations may include use of additional protective equipment, a leave of absence, or working from home. We may also require the TM to withdraw themselves from company and team activities.
What can I do if I’m unable to accommodate an unvaccinated TM?
Before taking any action against an employee who refuses or is unable to be vaccinated due to a disability or medical condition (including pregnancy) or a religious belief — and who cannot be reasonably accommodated — be sure to consult with the HR Team to determine the next steps.
Do we provide a copy of the TMs’ COVID-19 Vaccination Record? Will we be asking for a confirmation of vaccination for new hires?
In order to manage our stocks of vaccines, and until we have enough confidence in the ability of the general population to be vaccinated in the Philippines, we will be asking the questions to new hires and secure the necessary vaccines for them to be vaccinated and not pose a direct threat to themselves or others in the workplace.
We are reviewing state and local requirements before requiring any type of proof that an employee has received the vaccine.
We should still maintain strict confidentiality regarding any proof of vaccination that is provided, and treat the information like any other medical information collected or obtained from our TMs. Any copies of the card should be secured in a separate location from the employee’s personnel file and should not be shared with anyone who does not have a need to know.
If some or all of my TMs is vaccinated, will they still need to wear masks or face coverings and practice social distancing?
We recommend that everyone still wears masks with face shields and avoid close contact with others even if they have been fully vaccinated. Safety protocols in place inside the building, or outside the office, as mandated by local regulations must apply and be respected by all TMs. At all times, safety must remain a priority.
Do we offer reimbursement for TMs getting their vaccines outside of the organization?
As of today, we are not in a position to effectively track and certify the vaccines that would be purchased outside of the organization. As a result, we are not able to offer any reimbursement.
Should we set up on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics?
We are not currently planning to set up on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics given the complexity of the administration of the vaccines. We will follow the industry guidelines on this.