How to Encourage Vaccinations in Your Workplace

Among those who aren’t sure they’ll get the COVID-19 vaccine, 43% say they’re waiting for more people to get vaccinated before they do so themselves, according to the Rockefeller Foundation. Social proof — the idea that people copy the actions of others, or conform to the masses — is a compelling motivator. By informing and expecting your business’ employees to get vaccinated, you will inspire those who are on the fence about whether to get vaccinated to follow suit. Modeling behavior, empowering employees with information on the vaccine’s benefits and highlighting the link between vaccines and economic recovery are all motivating factors when it comes to increasing employees’ willingness to vaccinate.

Best Practices

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation tested message themes along with Civis Analytics to find out which messaging encouraged employees to want to get vaccinated the most. Among the messaging tested were the following:

• Lead by Example
• Economic Recovery
• Healthy Workforce Community
• Effective
• Accommodations and Incentives

Out of the messages identified, “Lead by Example” was most effective, with a 61% probability of increasing the likelihood to vaccinate. This was followed by “Economic Recovery” at 25% and “Healthy Workforce Community” at 10%. You can read more about the findings of this study here. The Rockefeller Foundation findings show that vaccination is built on empathy, and 70% of adults in the U.S. will find messaging stating how vaccination isn’t just for you, but for the people you love, to be convincing. As more variants come into play, vaccinations are becoming even more imperative. This means convincing communities that may have suspicions surrounding vaccination.

Communicating with Black and Latina Communities

Focus groups found that there were significant ways to build trust surrounding vaccinations with communities of color. Share vaccine locations and information on accessing through trusted providers. Create messaging on safe and effective vaccines for particular communities. Speak to the distrust of doctors and government that can be found in communities of color, and build trust through credible messengers.

Iowa Vaccinations

The vaccine is currently open to anyone ages 16 and above in the state of Iowa, and you are not required to be vaccinated in the county in which they live. Those who are 16-17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Everyone else can have the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. To find a provider, search here.

Count on the Greater Des Moines Partnership for economic recovery information and business and industry recommendations as the region moves forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about current impacts and future trends from the DSM Forward playbooks here.