Pandemic Legal Questions + COVID-19 Cleanliness + Toxic Exposures + Resolving Financial Hardships + Hotel Security Design

Many hotel companies are grappling with the decision whether to mandate employees receive vaccination against COVID-19 as the vaccines become readily available, said Caroline George, general counsel at Crescent Hotels & Resorts.

"There are obvious positive aspects to the vaccine," she said. "Associates who are vaccinated may feel more comfortable coming to work, and they’ll be able to work with greater safety, which will promote a more reliable and stable workforce. Customers, too, will likely feel more comfortable knowing that our associates have been vaccinated."

However, there are a number of potential legal and administrative issues, such as accommodations for pregnant associates, associates with disabilities and those with religious objections, that are cause for concerns about a mandate, she said. A mandatory vaccination policy could also affect company culture or employee morale.