Beyond employee pay, offering a wide range of benefits helps employers meet diverse employee needs. But it's not enough to simply offer benefits options. Improving health equity also requires employers to consider how the benefits are delivered.

Equitable access: Even when employees have access to the same health benefits, 30% or more of Black, Hispanic and Latino, LGBTQ+ and younger employees say they have considered switching employers because of their health benefits. To address the issue and retain diverse employees, broaden the scope when defining access to include the diversity and locations of in-network providers, easy-to-use digital and telehealth options and incentives for preventive care. Consider offering benefits decision support tools to assist employees in the selection process, as well as care coordination resources to aid in scheduling appointments and navigating complex care options.

Inclusive communications: Diverse employees are more likely to report confusion about whether they qualify for their company's health insurance, employee assistance programs, leave policies or wellness benefits. Employers must apply a critical lens to current benefits communications and education tools. Do the materials consider cultural communication styles and needs? Are they available in a range of languages? Do they use inclusive, gender-neutral language? Engage employees in the evaluation and solution development.

Company culture: Beyond regular communication, a company's culture can drive increased awareness and utilization of benefits. For example, a benefits-supportive culture offers flexibility for employees to adjust their schedules to accommodate appointments. Another example is recognizing employees' caregiving responsibilities by providing support, such as caregiver concierge benefits. Employee resource groups also reinforce a company's commitment to inclusion, foster a sense of community and give employees a valued peer resource to help them navigate benefits usage.

By taking a holistic approach to strategic benefits, which include an emphasis on equitable access, inclusive communication and company culture, employers can provide a level of health equity for employees that improve workers' health, increase productivity and assist with talent retention.

Instant Insights /

Employers can help address health equity through benefits

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