Diversity, equity and inclusion – DE&I, for short – has become a rallying cry for employers.  From ensuring fairness in hiring, pay and promotions to cultivating a workplace free of discrimination, harassment and bias, organizations have launched countless initiatives. When it comes to benefits, however, less has been done to ensure current offerings are keeping pace with the evolution of family structures. If employers are to live up to the commitment they've made to workers and their families, their benefits strategy must evolve to reflect the composition of the 21st-century family.

The demise of the nuclear family

Throughout much of the 20^th century, the so-called "nuclear family" was considered the ideal. Popular sitcoms, like "Father Knows Best," "Family Ties," and "Family Matters" centered around the wholesome hijinks of mom, dad, and two or three kids. Occasionally, the families were blended, especially towards the end of the century when divorce became more commonplace. Yet, the depiction of a married heterosexual couple raising their own biological children exemplified the typical American family.