How should employers handle unvaccinated workers?

As more companies seek to enforce vaccine mandates—and employees voice growing concerns over rigid coronavirus ultimatums—here’s guidance on how best to proceed.

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Are you prepared to fire an unvaccinated worker who shows up to the office?

CNN has done just that, in one of the first instances of a private employer bringing down the hammer on mandatory workplace vaccine policies. It certainly won’t be the last such case. As BBC reports, CNN canned three employees who refused to comply with its COVID-19 protocols. In an internal memo, CNN boss Jeff Zucker wrote, “Let me be clear—we have a zero-tolerance policy on this.”

The wildfire spread of the Delta variant is throwing a giant monkey wrench into the return-to-work plans of companies around the globe. Businesses are desperate to avoid another shutdown and to provide a safe environment for those employees who’re returning to work. But at what cost to morale, reputation, productivity and engagement? Is there a middle ground in this brewing battle?

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