By that I mean, you need to have a fully fleshed out idea of how you’ll handle people who request a religious or medical exemption from the policy.  You can’t just say – well, you can’t come in – because you may open yourself up to discrimination charges.  And besides – don’t overlook the fact that we may be talking about an employee that’s mission critical to the business.

And yes, I know that companies from Goldman Sachs to Shake Shack have instituted vaccine policies – but again, in most cases, they aren’t absolute.  For instance, Goldman requires either proof of vaccination, or the employee has to get a rapid COVID-19 test to be allowed on site – and they’ll have to be tested regularly.  Some other companies are requiring that employees get vaccinated or they have to work remotely, and aren’t allowed in the offices. (You know, in this environment, that kind of sounds like a desired incentive for undesired behavior, but whatever.)

So – while I can’t tell you what to do – I will tell you what we’re doing.

#1 – I am requiring that every member of the team disclose their vaccination status.  I didn’t have to create a deadline, because the policy came after everyone had already spoken openly about getting jabbed.  We’re a small team, and truth be told, they were excited about getting the shot so they told one another in real time.

#2 – As of this podcast, un-vaccinated employees have the option of weekly testing, or maintaining masking and social distancing protocols.  Now, I say, as of this podcast, because again – everything is fluid.  And once the FDA gives full approval for the vaccine, I expect a lot of companies will revise their policies to be full on mandates vs. simply company policies.  Meaning either get vaccinated, or go the weekly testing route – and even if you do weekly testing, you still have to mask and social distance.

In fact, in Los Angeles, where we are, all employees are required to wear masks indoors right now, no matter their vaccination status.  But even when that changes, we’ll still need unvaccinated colleagues to test and mask up.

– and –

#3 – We’re making all job candidates aware of our vaccination policy.

Now all this isn’t happening in a vacuum.  We installed anti bacterial sleeves on door handles, and key pads.  We have pure HEPA air filters for each workstation.  And we’re still masking up indoors.  My point is, stay on top of all the other ways you can support your team’s health, and create a protected environment.

And yes, all those things are great ideas.  But again, the biggest way I can find to protect my team – by far – is to require vaccines.  So, you have to make your own decision, and it’s never a bad idea to have a chat with counsel.  But, for Idomeneo – vaccine requirements are what we’re doing.