4 ways to diversify your employee benefits

April 21, 2023 9:25 AM

"Diversity and inclusion" have become workplace buzzwords, but they still have the power to impact change if employers deploy their efforts effectively.

Healthcare plans are a good place to start — ensuring that medical benefits are affordable and accessible can prevent care gaps that often plague marginalized workers. Finding ways to eliminate deductibles and establishing more affordable copays can help all workers access the healthcare they need.

These benefits are also critical for LGBTQ employees, who continue to be in the political crossfire. This year alone, nearly 500 anti-transgender bills have been proposed in state legislatures, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. To keep employees safe and supported, leaders play a role in setting the tone that all are welcome at work, says Sarah Reynolds, chief marketing officer at software company HiBob.

"It's critically important that all of us who are open and all of us who are leaders in the workplace — regardless of your gender identity — take a moment and consider how we can protect the folks who work in our organizations who might identify differently than we do," Reynolds says.

To better align your DEI values to the benefits and support you provide everyday, check out these top stories:

Building more accessible and affordable healthcare plans

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Are deductibles and coinsurance keeping employees from accessing healthcare?

If employees cannot afford their medical expenses, even with a company-provided health plan, that offering is a prime example of inequity and exclusivity in the workplace. As employers prioritize their DEI efforts, a medical expert from SimplePay Health shares five steps to building a more accessible and affordable healthcare plan all employees can benefit from.

Supporting LGBTQ employees in today’s climate

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This trans, nonbinary C-suite exec discusses today's culture of DEI

Today's fraught political climate means that employers need to stand up for marginalized employees with their DEI efforts — for those in the queer community, that support is vital. An executive from Hibob shares their experience as a leader, and how employers can protect and support LGBTQ employees.

Small business employees need fertility benefits, too

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Justworks and Kindbody extend free fertility benefits to small employers

Payroll platform Justworks is teaming up with family benefits provider Kindbody to offer small business clients access to family planning services. Over 130,000 workers who use Justworks will have access to discounted fertility assessments, fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization, donor and surrogacy services and adoption assistance.

Insurance isn’t enough for today’s workers

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Think beyond insurance: Embrace the new definition of 'employee benefits'

Employee benefits are not just a way to attract and retain talent, but also a tool for creating a culture of well-being and sense of community among employees. Two benefits advisers share why it's important for advisers to be up to date on workplace wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, financial wellness and retirement planning when building employee benefits packages.