Measurements are taken to quantify, compare, and put events and data into context. In the case of COVID-19, the pandemic's impact can be measured in tangible losses and gains. Without question, we mourn the loss of more than a half-million fellow citizens and are mindful of the continued health issues that could linger. But through the pain, we can learn from the gains made in the aftermath, assess what we learned, and create strategies to better prepare for future disruptions.

As vaccines become more available and the numbers of hospitalizations and fatalities decrease, benefits leaders can step back and measure the impact of the pandemic from a health care perspective. For this, we turn to data. Trends in employee health are crucial in designing and optimizing the most effective health care plans and programs going forward.