Are you looking for best practices to restart your business? Are you curious about how to motivate your employees to get vaccinated? Are you ready to return to a workplace and restart some sense of normalcy?

In many states, millions of people are eagerly awaiting their coronavirus vaccine. However, many people are on the fence. They are choosing to wait, avoiding immunization due to disability, or sincerely held religious beliefs. 

Business and governmental experts are concerned about vaccine hesitancy. Some people, including health care workers, are waiting for clearer confirmation about vaccine efficacy. 

This is an unprecedented situation affecting every business owner. In the last 100 years, no employer has had to navigate these issues.

Here are 6 best practices to consider for restarting your business.

Use A Carrot - Not A Stick

This folk saying is often used to describe the architecture of motivation. Originally, the saying may have referred to how to get a stubborn horse to move forward. 

The carrot is an attractive incentive. The stick is an unattractive punishment. Similar principles work for human beings - we tend to be motivated more by enticements than punishments.

A recent Harris poll confirms this concept and shows that 69% of employees would prefer incentives for getting vaccinated, rather than being required to participate.

Offer Incentive Options

Many organizations offer incentives to encourage employees to get vaccinated. The most popular options are paid-time-off, cash bonuses, and vouchers for travel to vaccination appointments.

Companies such as Target and Kroger offer paid time off for vaccination appointments. Some states, such as New York, require companies to pay for time off for vaccination appointments. This requirement applies to businesses, whether or not they have compulsory vaccination policies.

Reinforce Positive Behaviors

Leading organizations are exploring benefits for employees who get immunized.

Houston Methodist, a large hospital in Texas offers $500 for employees if they agree to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This bonus is called a "hope bonus" and enables the hospital to thank employees for their perseverance through the challenges of COVID.

Gracedale, a nursing home in Northampton County Pennsylvania offers employees $750 each to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This county nursing home offers a cash incentive to motivate hesitant employees to get immunized.

The Los Angeles Fire Department offers innovative prizes to encourage firefighters to get both doses of the Moderna vaccine. Prizes include home security cameras, entertainment systems, bicycles, and gift cards.  

Communicate Policies

Whether or not you decide to offer incentives to your employees, be sure to communicate your policies Experts advise that clear and frequent communication is especially critical in times of crisis. 

Keep your website up to date with the latest developments regarding vaccination. Identify how your policy applies for new applicants and any requirements for a job background check, sick leave, and remote working. 

By making your policies clear, you can build a culture of transparency and trust.

Exercise Caution

The laws related to pandemic responses are changing rapidly. Smart employers are exercising caution. Mandated vaccination programs may be technically legal, yet there are ethical concerns.

Many employers prefer to move forward with caution. They want to demonstrate their respect for an individual's right to freedom. Personal immunization choices may arise due to concerns about vaccine efficacy, religious beliefs, or disabilities. By exercising caution, employers show respect. 

Naturally, it's vital that employees, suppliers, vendors, and the public feel safe and secure. This may give rise to policy decisions regarding employee choice to continue working remotely. With so much at stake, employers might prefer to proceed with awareness and sensitivity.

Maintain Health and Safety Conditions

Many people are anxious to return to work. However, the exact health and safety practices for a healthy work environment are evolving. The CDC offers guidance and protocols to create, maintain, and sustain a healthy environment.

Many CEOs and business owners find it valuable to model safe hygiene practices in daily work life, on video, and in public forums. Employees are often inspired when their leaders are consistent with hand washing, wearing facemasks, and maintaining social distance.

Sum Up

With initiative, inspiration, and responsiveness, employers can move forward. It's time to restart businesses and restore a sense of normalcy.