Anthem, Netflix and Goldman Sachs are among the list of companies mandating vaccines for employees

10 companies mandating COVID vaccines for employees

August 16, 2021 1:57 PM

As the delta variant guarantees this pandemic will not come to an easy end, companies are moving forward with new vaccination policies.

According to the CDC, the delta variant is nearly twice as infectious as former variants and creates a greater chance of hospitalization. With the possibility of herd immunity and the so-called “return to normal” appearing further and further away, businesses are eager to guarantee safety for in-person employees.

From tech giants to production studios, here are 10 companies mandating COVID vaccines for their employees.

Anthem

The healthcare insurance provider will not allow employees to enter their offices without being vaccinated. Anthem’s vice president of external communications, Michelle Vanstory, views this decision as suited to what the company represents.

“As an organization focused on the health and well-being of our members, associates and the communities we serve, we believe observing these recommended precautions is appropriate,” Vanstory told EBN.

Equinox

Starting in September, the luxury fitness company will require members and employees alike to show a one-time proof of vaccination in its New York City facilities.

“It is our responsibility to take bold action. We encourage other leading brands to join us in this effort to best protect our communities,” wrote Equinox following its announcement via Twitter.

Goldman Sachs

The investment banking company, which committed over $50 million to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, has not shied away from its stance on the vaccine. Goldman told employees to provide their vaccination status as early as spring. If an employee does not comply, they are required to test regularly at the Goldman Sachs office.

Read More:

Capital One employees returning to office will have to be vaccinated

Google

Google was the first major tech company to announce a vaccine mandate for employees who wish to return to their campuses in the fall. The company has also decided to extend its global work-from-home policy through Oct. 18, according to CEO Sundar Pichai’s memo to employees.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important ways to keep ourselves and our communities healthy in the months ahead,” wrote Pichai.

Saks Fifth Avenue

The luxury department store chain has asked employees to vaccinate before returning to work in the fall. CEO Marc Metrick revealed to the New York Times that he feels remote work is not indefinitely feasible for Saks.

“If we’re asking people to come back, we have to make the environment as safe as we possibly can,” Metrik told the Times.

Read More:

COVID isn’t the only virus employees could be bringing back into the office

Tyson Foods

The world's second-largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork is mandating that all its corporate employees are vaccinated by Oct. 1, while remaining workers must be vaccinated by Nov. 1, according to a memo by president and CEO Donnie King.

However, Tyson employees in Newbern, Tennessee, are already protesting this update in policy with the support of Newbern State Representative Rusty Grills. This hints at further vaccination resistance from not just employees but local politicians.

United Airlines

United expects its employees to be vaccinated by late October, although this requirement does not extend to its passengers.

CEO Scott Kirby has even met with President Biden regarding the company’s vaccination efforts. Following the meeting, Kirby told CNN that vaccine mandates are inevitable.

“A few weeks from now, this is going to be something that’s widespread across the country because it’s really just a basic safety issue,” says Kirby.