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Canadians split on mandatory vaccines in workplace reopening policies: survey

Canadians hold mixed views on mandatory vaccination policies, according to the latest Mental Health Index, a survey of 3,000 Canadians between June 30 and July 12, released Aug. 24.

The survey says 47 per cent of respondents want mandated vaccination policies implemented by their employer, 33 per cent do not want employer-mandated vaccination policies, and 20 per cent are uncertain.

“The pandemic created a lot of fear and uncertainly and right now we are seeing new fears and uncertainties as we are planning to return to the workplace,” said LifeWorks global leader and senior vice president, research and total well-being, Paula Allen.

“As employers are considering their return-to-workplace plans and policies, they should be aware that employees need to understand the consideration and support for their well-being as a part of the plan, and the tangible actions the employer is taking and that they can take.”

Other key findings include:

• Overall mental-health score of -10.1 compared to the pre-pandemic benchmark, reaching its highest point since the launch of the index in April 2020.
• Managers were 20 per cent more likely than non-managers to request mandatory vaccinations upon the return-to-workplace.
• Thirteen per cent of respondents feel that the culture of their organization does not support their personal well-being. This group has a mental-health score of -22.3.
• Twenty-four per cent of respondents are unsure of their company’s culture of support. This group has a mental-health score of -16.8.
• Sixty-three per cent of respondents feel that the culture of their organization supports their personal well-being. This group has a mental-health score of -6.6.