Just half of office workers want to return without full vaccinations - research

Ezra study finds only half of respondents feel comfortable going back when full vaccination is not required

Only half of UK office workers feel comfortable returning to the office if the workplace is not fully vaccinated, research from Ezra has found.

The study found that 80 per cent of UK office workers were not required to be vaccinated before returning to work, with a further 17 per cent unsure on company policy regarding vaccination.

Overall, only 51 per cent feel comfortable returning to the office when they and their colleagues are not required to be vaccinated with a further 28 per cent stating they were not confident and 21 per cent saying they were on the fence about whether they would go back.

Ezra surveyed more than 1,000 office workers on 22 April 2021 for the report.

"It's understandable that many of us might feel anxious about returning to the workplace while the threat of COVID remains such a big part of our day to day lives," Nick Goldberg, founder of Ezra said.

"Unfortunately, at these early stages we're having to do so in the knowledge that either ourselves or our colleagues might not be fully vaccinated and remain vulnerable.

"However, for many businesses, this slow return to normality is a vital part of their strategic plan for the year ahead and so many of us will be required to brave the workplace at some point or another."

Vaccinations are not required to return to the workplace but the research conducted by Ezra show that precautions are being taken by businesses.

The most common is socially distanced desks and a reduced number of on-site staff which 20 per cent of respondents said they were implementing.

Meanwhile, 14 per cent said they would not have staff at social events, while 11 per cent have told staff not to have any face-to-face meetings within the workplace.

Weekly COVID tests were less prominent, with only six percent of respondents saying they would be used.

Goldberg added: "The good news is that the vast majority of offices have a range of protocol in place to ensure the utmost safety of their employees.

"Adhering to these should ensure a safe and harmonious workplace for all involved."