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Infographic

COVID-19 delta variant impacts on return to office plans in the Seattle Metropolitan area

With the rise of the COVID-19 delta variant, the road ahead remains complicated as many employers are announcing delays or shifts in their return to office plans. The good news is that 2 in 3 Seattle workers (66%) are more comfortable going to their workplace than a restaurant, but employees still have concerns about their return. 

Eagle Hill Consulting research finds Seattle employees have strong views on issues including workplace re-openings, vaccination requirements, and how their organization should manage unvaccinated colleagues. 

A large portion of the Seattle workforce is worried about the delta variant, and many employers are taking action as it pertains to returning to the office. With the COVID summer surge, it’s even more important for employers to fully understand what employees want. Retaining talent in the current tight labor market means creating a culture and work environment—virtual or in person—that is aligned with employee preferences.

– Carrie Miceli, Technology, Media, and Entertainment Industry Lead

The COVID-19 delta variant triggers workplace concerns for most Seattle workers

The rise in COVID-19 delta variant impacts:

57%

My willingness to go to the workplace

60%

My fear of contracting the virus

69%

Precautions I take at work

Seattle workers support strong vaccine stances from employers

The majority of Seattle workers want their employers to:

Require employee
vaccinations

59% YES
41% NO

Require proof
of vaccination

61% YES
39% NO

Ask about
vaccination status

66% YES
34% NO

Offer incentives (such as money, paid time off, gift cards, etc.) for vaccination

67% YES
33% NO

Seattle employees are supportive of punitive actions for unvaccinated employees

Many Seattle workers say unvaccinated colleagues should NOT be allowed to participate in workplace activities.

 Should your employer allow employees who choose not to get vaccinated to:

61% NO
39% YES

Be given special allowances to work from home

56% NO
44% YES

Travel for work

51% NO
49% YES

Work in-person
with customers

48% NO
52% YES

Work in-person
with co‑workers

Nearly 1 in 3 Seattle workers say unvaccinated colleagues should NOT be able to maintain their employment. 

Should unvaccinated employees be able to continue to work with the organization?

30% NO

Nearly half of Seattle workers think unvaccinated employees should pay higher health insurance rates.

Should unvaccinated employees be expected to pay higher health insurance rates?

45% YES
55% NO

Most Seattle workers want their employers to play an active role in COVID-19 precautions

My employer should require or encourage employees to:

87%

Social distance

83%

Wear masks

79%

Have their
temperature checked

78%

Be vaccinated

74%

Receive regular
COVID-19 testing

70%

Wear personal
protective equipment

67%

Take COVID test before
entering the workplace

2 in 3 Seattle workers want employers to institute special precautions for the unvaccinated.

Should your employer institute special precautions for unvaccinated?

67% YES
33% NO

The 2021 Eagle Hill Consulting Seattle COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace Survey measures employee sentiment about COVID-19 vaccines, returning to the workplace, as well as testing and safety protocols. Conducted by Ipsos from August 11-16, 2021, this survey includes 510 respondents from a random sample of employees in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. This poll follows similar research conducted from April 7-9, 2021.