Randstad surveyed 27,000 non-self-employed people aged 18 to 65, in 34 markets including Luxembourg, from 15 February to 8 March 2021 Shutterstock

Randstad surveyed 27,000 non-self-employed people aged 18 to 65, in 34 markets including Luxembourg, from 15 February to 8 March 2021 Shutterstock

In total, 53% of respondents to the Workforce Insights survey said they wouldn’t feel safe, while the proportion fell to 47% in northwestern Europe. The survey found that just one in four respondents said their employer had made it compulsory to be vaccinated, with the highest proportions found in Asia and the lowest in southern and eastern Europe (16%).

In northwestern Europe, one in five respondents said vaccinations were mandatory in their place of work. In some places, like the US, such a requirement is legal. Across all regions, three-quarters said they would get vaccinated to keep their job, if it were mandatory.

Just over half of respondents believed they would have more job opportunities if they got the shot. The report author wrote: “Whether having most workers vaccinated will help workplaces return to their pre-pandemic state remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it offers assurances to employees.”

Worker loyalty up

Over half of respondents said they wanted to stay at their company for the long term, while over a quarter wanted to work harder. The report summary suggested higher loyalty may be correlated with the different employer responses to the pandemic.

Among the additional support offered to staff by employers, the most common was strict and clear protocols for onsite and remote working, followed by policies on work hours to maintain a proper work-life balance. The least-common support was financial assistance for those who spend more income on childcare and other family obligations.

When asked how employers could improve employee support efforts, clearer work hour policies to maintain a proper work-life balance was the most commonly cited.

“For many organisations, this has become a top issue since stress and competing priorities at home and in the workplace are leading to burnout and depression,” the Randstad report stated.

Respondents said they would also like regular surveying of the workforce and an extra allowance for remote working.

In total, 27,000 non-self-employed people aged 18 to 65 were surveyed in 34 markets, including Luxembourg, from 15 February to 8 March 2021.