Now is the time for employers to take better care of their teams

If 2020 produced one universal, unifying lesson, it’s this: people are important.

For so many folks around the world, the past year and a half was one of isolation and loss. In the U.S., the fight against the pandemic coincided with a national examination of race and equality. And while the battles to bring both COVID-19 and racism to an end are ongoing, we’re all moving forward with a renewed understanding that taking care of our communities — and the people within them — must be a top priority.

Read more: Reframing discussions around fertility benefits to create greater inclusivity

Here at EBN, we’re already seeing people-first thinking as companies prepare for a return to work. Diversity, equity and inclusion have long been corporate buzzwords — lots of talk, not so much action. In this issue’s cover story, executive editor Alyssa Place looks at how businesses are turning to technology to help them make good on promises to create more equitable workplaces. From AI tools that make sure job listings don’t alienate or exclude certain candidates to digital training modules that help managers do the uncomfortable but important work of understanding their own biases, tech-driven programs might finally push DEI commitments from well-intentioned to fully realized.

As we gear up for Pride Month in June, associate editor Paola Peralta shines a spotlight on the needs of the LGBTQ community, a group that tends to be underserved by their companies’ healthcare plans. In the benefits space, the lack of an industry standard that truly serves these employees has put the onus on employers to offer something better. For example, Chris Crespo, director of inclusiveness at Ernst & Young, worked to make sure that fertility and transition benefits were available to all employees across the company. Their efforts can serve as a playbook for other businesses eager to support queer team members.

Read more: The pandemic is forcing Gen Z to rethink their future

Elsewhere in the magazine, we explore why Gen Z’s mental health is taking a hit, why employees are feeling confident in their retirement savings and the ways employers need extra support from advisers when it comes to educating workers about available benefits.

There’s plenty of work to be done to make our “new normal” a better normal, but remembering to put our employees and team members first is an invaluable starting point. And as the newest team member here at EBN, I thank you for reading and encourage you to continue exploring our expanded coverage on these topics and so many more, both here at benefitnews.com and in our May/June digital issue.