Navigating vaccine mandate messaging, lessons from Facebook’s open enrollment video, and more

Hello, dear communication pros.

Let’s explore some notable stories from Oct. 25-29, 2021—and extract a few useful messaging takeaways along the way:

1. Cutting through the vaccine mandate clutter.

This week, the EEOC clarified what does (and does not) constitute a valid exemption claim for the coming mandate deadline on Dec. 8.

It writes that “social, political or economic views—or personal preferences—do not support requests for religious exemptions to coronavirus vaccine mandates,” adding that the mandate, “requires employers to accommodate employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, and observances absent undue hardship.”

To recap: “Strongly held beliefs” don’t cut the mustard, but companies must make accommodations for employees who can present a case to avoid the jab due to “sincerely held religious beliefs” or valid medical concerns.

The EEOC’s other revised guidance includes:

HR Dive adds more context: