COVID-19: ONE YEAR LATER Vaccinating the Workforce Four key considerations to build an informed workplace policy. By Kate Hill While COVID-19 vaccines have instilled a sense of hope in the business community, they have also brought numerous questions for many employers and employees. In what is largely uncharted territory, HR professionals and business leaders are struggling with how to implement a vaccine policy for their workplace that prioritizes employee health and safety while protecting the business against any potential risks. In December 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its " COVID-19 Technical Assistance, " providing guidance to employers about how a COVID-19 vaccine policy interacts with the legal requirements of certain federal laws. However, many questions remain unanswered and several states are planning to share guidance as well. [14] HRO TODAY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2021 While HR professionals await more governmental guidance, understanding the risks and responsibilities associated with certain vaccine policies can help businesses better prepare for a time when the vaccine is more widely available to the general public. It is important that employers have a strategic plan in place and are ready to implement it. There are four key considerations for employers when introducing a COVID-19 vaccine policy. 1 Stay informed. There are many moving parts to consider as employers develop and implement a workplace vaccination policy. It's more important than ever that employers and HR leaders take the initiative to stay informed about the fluid landscape, including employer rights and obligations under federal, state, and local laws and regulations.