BRIEFING


A


new federal mandate means that employees in larger organizations will need to show proof of vaccination status or be subject to regular Covid-19 testing. This will start from January 4 2022.


“The vaccine mandates will impact the hospitality industry in several ways; organizations will have to solve this from an operational perspective without slowing down the hiring process,” says Ken Schnee, general manager of the Technology, Media, Entertainment, and Hospitality group at Sterling, a global provider of technology-enabled background and verification services that works with a range of companies in the hospitality industry. “To help the hospitality industry follow these requirements, organizations should find a platform that can keep track of vaccination records and active testing for unvaccinated employees. This will allow hospitality organizations to remain within the guidelines while protecting their staff and patrons.” With the industry also facing worker


shortages, hospitality organizations will need to consider the new vaccine


“The vaccine mandates will impact the hospitality industry in several ways; organizations will have to solve this from an operational perspective without slowing down the hiring process”


mandates for new hires, and in a way that does not slow down their time to hire. “Finding a speedy solution is paramount,” says Schnee. “A seamless solution that can manage and track vaccinations, as well as test employees weekly, will help get workers onboarded efficiently while adhering to the vaccine mandates. Doing so will also


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help to keep employees and patrons safe.” Schnee also recommends that


establishments (or consultants advising them) clarify their rules prior to customers entering to help keep within Covid safety regulations and as a way to set expectations. “Many cities and states already provide guidance to dictate a base-level protocol for restaurant access,” Schnee says. “I would recommend posting your Covid guidelines on your website and social media, as well as posting signage outside your restaurant. I would also explain that you are doing everything in your power to keep patrons and employees safe.” When it comes to customers that


disagree with the vaccine mandates, Schnee adds, “If you’ve clearly


established your rules, which reflect guidelines and comfort level, then you can refer to those. Guests shouldn’t be taken by surprise. Also, having clearly defined guidelines allows you and your staff to be consistent. While there may be those that disagree, and the current environment may create an unhappy customer or two, the majority of your customers will appreciate your guidelines and your enforcement of them.” In the fall, a federal judge in Texas ruled that United Airlines’ employee vaccine policy can proceed as planned, essentially strengthening the federal mandate’s position. The airline had instituted the new policy in September, requiring all employees – even those who receive medical or religious exemptions


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