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Many organizations are looking to expand their diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s good for business. Diverse organizations have an advantage in attracting and retaining talent, are more innovative and are stronger financial performers.

Employers are taking many actions to embed DE&I into their workplaces. However, benefits plans have largely been left out of the DE&I conversation. Until now. 

In February 2022, we partnered with Ipsos to conduct a national survey of 2,313 working people across a broad range of diverse communities. We wanted to learn how members of diverse groups perceived and valued group benefits. We also wanted to identify opportunities for benefits plans to better meet their needs. Here are some key highlights of what we found.

“Group Benefits are valuable to me”

What our research revealed

% Strongly & Somewhat Agree

 

 

 

 

While respondents from all groups valued group benefits plans, employers and providers still have room to improve in meeting the needs of members of diverse communities.

 

 

 

 

“As a member of my diverse community, my group benefits plan addresses my unique needs”

Team Win

17%

strongly agree their plan addresses
their unique needs as a member of
their diverse community

Team support

53%

are “in the middle,”
agreeing somewhat

people-team

30%

somewhat or
strongly disagree

A top pick to enhance plans for all groups was virtual care. Virtual care for both physical and mental health needs can boost equity and inclusion by improving access to treatment.
Members of the Other Race / Ethnicities and LGBTQ2+ communities are most likely to say they would highly value virtual care if it were added to their plans.

“I am currently not offered this benefit but would
highly value it if it were made available to me”

Virtual care (24/7 access to non-emergency medical care)

The important role of virtual care

“How important is access to complementary
and alternative medicines?”

Complementary and alternative medicines are valued

% Very & Somewhat Important

Respondents from diverse backgrounds placed more value on access to complementary and alternative medicines in their plans.
Members of the Black, Indigenous and Other Race / Ethnicities communities placed higher importance on this.

Integrate DE&I in your group benefits plan

A strong DE&I focus can further support a healthier workplace and help you reach your organizations goals. And offering a group benefits plan is an important DE&I initiative.

About our new innovative research

Download the full report. It provides you with actionable insight into what members of diverse groups want in their plans. Importantly, it highlights how you can help ensure you’ve optimized your plan to support the health and wellness of all your employees.

This report provides you with general information only. It doesn’t provide you with employment, legal, health, or financial advice. Consult with the appropriate professional advisor to meet your organization’s needs