Can Employers Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations?

Employers and employees alike are wondering… can vaccines be required for workers to return to the office? Seems like an easy answer since the law is clear that COVID-19 vaccination can be required as a condition of employment (with certain caveats). However, as the saying goes, nothing is as simple as it seems.

There are many complications, including the allowed exemptions under which an individual can refuse vaccination. Suppose employers do require vaccinations as a condition of returning to the workplace. In that case, they must be prepared to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities (per the Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA) and religious objections (per Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.) This protection excludes non-religious beliefs. It also doesn't exempt individuals who object to vaccination because of political views or personal reasons.

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Is NOW a good time to update your business continuity plan?

COVID-19 has been a decisive test of your business continuity plan, and it may still be challenging you today as the pandemic rages. So why would now be an optimal time to develop or revise your plan? For one thing, you likely learned a lot about what worked, what you might have done differently, and what definitely wasn't covered in your plan. For another, especially since we may face similar challenges over the next few months, you need to review your assumptions and decisions and identify any required changes. In reality, COVID-19 may not be the only pandemic we face in the year or years ahead.

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Human Capital & Emergency Succession Planning

Human Capital & Emergency Succession Planning

The pandemic certainly has changed things - work, home life, school, socializing, etc. - in ways we would never have imagined. We work at home, school at home, socialize over Zoom, have our groceries delivered, and take all the precautions needed to keep ourselves and our families safe. At present, there is no real end in sight to COVID-19 and no view into what “normal” might look like in the future because the situation changes all the time. It’s hard to know if anyone has figured out the real impact of the pandemic on our home and work lives. For this reason, business continuity planning takes on even more importance since poor planning can hurt our ability to continue day-to-day operations. 

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Terrorism

January 15, 2020 - The recent situation with Iran brings again to mind the need to be aware of the potential for terrorism, both from overseas and from US actors who have been radicalized. While many of us have kept the possibility of terrorism in our sights, many others have become lax in their risk assessment and planning for the effects of terrorism. We hope these articles will help you refocus on this threat.

Terrorism is never far from the headlines and while the impact on human lives is, of course, the biggest and most important consequence of a terrorist incident, it is not the only one; businesses need to prepare for the potential impacts. (Item #1)

Effectively communicating information in a crisis is an important part of business continuity planning. Get the steps to follow in this emergency communication plan template. (Item #2)

Terrorism insurance is a corporate necessity and there are coverage options.  Can you rely upon your insurance plan to protect your business interests? (Item #3)

In light of the recent attempted mail bombings, the deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, and a rise in hate-related incidents, two of the country’s top experts in terrorism and homeland security discuss present and future threats to and in the United States.  (Item #4)

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Communications & Business Continuity

December 11, 2019 - Communication is a critical component of planning for business continuity. Whether it's a crisis response team communicating among themselves or communicating to the public, communication is an area that should be considered in your business continuity plan. All too often, however, not enough time and attention is devoted to this area. This week we are providing some information about this critical aspect of business continuity.

Technology has advanced to the point of being a near-constant force in society, and as such has given many ways to help keep society safe. In today's world, planning for violence could end up being the most important decision a business can make. (Item #1)

Effectively communicating information in a crisis is an important part of business continuity planning. Get the steps to follow in this emergency communication plan template. (Item #2)

Here's what you should know when it comes to communicating efficiently and ensuring business continuity during a natural disaster. (Item #3)

A crisis communications plan helps you determine how to provide accurate information to the right people via the appropriate channels. (Item #4) 

You may not be able to control the crisis---whether it's a life- or environment-threatening disaster (like an oil spill) or a reputational risk (like accusations of fiduciary mismanagement)—but you can control your response. (Item #5)


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