As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available, employers can play a significant role in ensuring equitable vaccine access within their workplaces and communities.

Employers must take the time to understand the challenges employees face as they build their vaccine rollout and return-to-work strategy. Without a comprehensive plan to ensure distribution, employees will continue to experience anxiety, physical, mental and financial stress.

Employers can make a significant impact through low cost, organizational process improvements designed to expand employees’ vaccine access. Her are steps employers can take today:

Work with your health insurance carrier, as well as local health officials and other health organizations to plan and execute and organized and accessible vaccine rollout.
Do not make assumptions about vaccine uptake. Recognize that there are events that will impact employee willingness to receive the vaccine.
Communicate effectively and in a manner that speaks to the data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine while reducing perceived barriers.
Increase workplace flexibility for your employees. Availability and access are critical. Employees will be more likely to get the vaccine if they have sufficient paid time off and can be vaccinated on-site near their homes.

COVID-19 has disrupted may aspects of life. Employers have the opportunity to change the health and financial trajectory of today’s workforce and of future generations by taking strategic action and promoting more inclusive workplaces.