RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Few companies in the Triangle are requiring employees to be vaccinated or be terminated, SAS and Merck being the notable exceptions at this point.

WRAL TechWire checked with more than a dozen North Carolina firms about their vaccination policies based on President Biden’s executive order last week that companies require vaccinations and regular testing. Several said they are waiting for more formal guidance from the Biden Administration.

Many companies such as IBM already are requiring employees who come to corporate offices be vaccinated before doing so.

Here is what spokespersons for several companies with large Triangle operations told TechWire late Wednesday afternoon:

Lenovo:

“The health and safety of our employees remains a top priority for Lenovo. We are aware of President’s Biden recent announcement of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure that their workforce is fully vaccinated or to require any workers who remain unvaccinated to get tested for COVID-19 weekly. We expect to receive more details about the ETS in the coming weeks and will pass on any necessary information to our employees.

“When we announce the initial reopening date for our offices, we will provide details on how employees can verify their vaccination status and other details. For personnel who are currently working onsite, we will provide further instructions later this month regarding any new protocols.

“We believe that getting vaccinated is key to keeping ourselves and our communities healthy in the months ahead. To help support our employees in making their decision regarding vaccination, Lenovo Wellness Center staff members are available to discuss concerns, answer questions, and even help employees schedule vaccination appointments with local providers.”

Pendo:

“We require employees to be vaccinated to enter an office. We will not terminate anyone for choosing not to get vaccinated.”

ChannelAdvisor:

“ChannelAdvisor has a flexible work policy, which allows our employees to work from home, in the office or a combination of both. Vaccination is not required to be employed by ChannelAdvisor. Currently, vaccinations are required for employees who choose to work in the office.

“For those employees that do choose to use the office, a seamless check-in process allows each employee to verify vaccination status and general health to ensure everyone’s safety. So far, that process has been working well. Of course, we’re constantly monitoring the latest developments, as well as federal, state, and local guidelines, so we can plan and adjust for the safety of our employees.”

Duke Energy:

“We have begun asking our employees to voluntarily let us know their vaccination status. It’s important to help us effectively plan and make decisions. The more info we have, the better we can plan for keeping the workplace safe.

“All employees, regardless of vaccination status, are now required to wear a face covering indoors. Employees must also wear face coverings when entering, exiting and walking within a facility and in common areas.”

Bandwidth.com:

“We will closely review any legal requirements with respect to the mandate and take action accordingly.”

Cree – Wolfspeed:

“Cree | Wolfspeed is awaiting specific federal guidance before changing any COVID-related policies. If we determine that changes are needed, we will implement them consistent with our values, as we have from the beginning of the pandemic.”

Wells Fargo:

“We are reviewing the new requirements from the Administration and are determining how they apply to Wells Fargo. At this point, we strongly encourage employees to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but we are not currently requiring it.”

insightsoftware:

“Our Executive Leadership and HR teams are reviewing the recent statement from the federal government and how we need to adjust our approach and then communicate that to our employees first.”

“We currently maintain a policy that anyone who is unvaccinated must wear a mask inside the office while those who are vaccinated do not. That said, the vast majority of our team in North Carolina continues to work remotely and based on the success of that approach we do not have a specific date set for a large scale return to the office.”

Red Hat:

“Red Hat is extending its global default to remote guidance to the first business day of 2022. Beginning Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, Red Hatters working or gathering in a Red Hat office in the United States must be vaccinated. We are currently determining how this vaccination guidance will be extended across countries, including considering the availability of vaccines.”

(Note: This story will be updated as more companies respond to TechWire’s inquiries.)