April 27, 2021
By Willis Towers Watson, Stockhouse
Willis Towers Watson survey finds social determinants of health hold increased importance in employer health and wellbeing strategies
ARLINGTON, Va., April 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The number of employers that will promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their benefit programs and workplaces is expected to jump sharply over the next three years, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.
The Emerging Trends in Health Care Survey found that four-fifths of employers will take steps to promote DEI in their workplace culture and policies over the next three years compared with just 55% that took measures over the past three years. Additionally, seven in 10 employers indicated they would promote DEI-related aspects of their benefit programs (72%) and wellbeing programs (69%) over the next three years, more than double those that did so the past three years.
“Employers recognize the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are taking steps to address equity and access in their benefit programs,” said Rachael McCann, senior director, Health and Benefits, Willis Towers Watson. “By shifting benefit program discussions from inclusivity to equitable health and wealth outcomes, employers will be able to identify specific areas for improvement — and that often leads to a focus on access, affordability and quality.”