Can Employer Incentives Help Prevent Lockdowns?

As another outbreak hits Australia's east coast, the media debate turns to the role of higher vaccination rates in ending lockdowns. Despite health authorities making this a key measure of opening Australia's borders our full vaccination rates still rank below Kazakhstan and Peru.

What we can learn from abroad

The US continues to be the country with the highest COVID-19 death toll. Within this, 99.2% were among unvaccinated people. To reach the crucial herd immunity levels needed to reduce transmission, estimates suggest 70-90% of the world's population needs to be vaccinated. Yet, in many countries such as America, the European Union, and Australia less than 2 in every 3 people are willing.

International Incentive Programs

• Hawaii increased its vaccination rates by 30% with a mix of incentives including cars, cash, and furniture.
• Ohio offered vaccinated people a chance of winning 1 of 5 $1m USD prizes.
• Fast food franchise Chipotle offers US customers a free burrito joining Krispy Kreme and Taco Bell's own incentives.
• In Serbia, getting vaccinated is worth the equivalent of $40.
• In Beijing, you could even earn a dozen eggs.
• Israel created a green pass that verifies vaccination and is needed to enter gyms, concerts, and restaurants.

The Australian Response

Australia's response has been more muted. Research from the University of Melbourne suggests "right now, the incentives to get vaccinated are all wrong."

Their research indicates that direct cash incentives are the most effective way to encourage vaccinations they argue, that the payment infrastructure exists, and that the model is familiar from the "no jab, no pay" and "no jab, no play" programs to encourage childhood vaccinations.

De-risking your business

No doubt many will elect not to get the jab for their own, sometimes legitimate concerns regarding their immunity, blood clots, and other risk factors.

Yet for those that are willing, can your business afford to lose key staff for two weeks or more? Consider how you can ensure your business continuity, and make it easier for your staff to make a health-positive decision if they wish with a little supportive nudge.

At True Rewards and Rewards Come True we've experienced an influx of employer vaccination incentives. Increasingly private businesses are stepping in and incentivising their own staff and their families to get vaccinated with an instant digital gift card as a reward.

Considering an employee vaccination incentive? Call us on 1800 043 656 or request a callback to discuss our solutions.