Integrating Workforce Health Into Employer Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts.
Am J Health Promot
; 35(5): 609-612, 2021 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-999445
ABSTRACT
Our collective experience with COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter has heightened awareness of deeply embedded racial and socioeconomic disparities in American businesses. This time, perhaps, sustained change is within reach. As organizations advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, an often overlooked focus of is the health status of employees and their families, where equitable access to high-value health benefits offerings should be available to all. This commentary provides guidance for employers to expand their DEI initiatives to include employee and family health and well-being as a central outcome measure. Employers should ensure that DEI efforts incorporate equitable benefits design, and objectively assess benefit design impact on healthcare utilization and cost. Additionally, employers must appreciate the workplace as a significant determinant of health-for lower income workers, in particular-with review of policies and practices to mitigate any discriminatory negative health or well-being impact. Further, race and ethnicity data should be incorporated in health benefits data analysis to understand more clearly the differential outcomes of health management offerings on these different sub-populations. Finally, social needs data should be incorporated into strategic benefits planning to better understand gaps and opportunities to foster greater benefits equity. The provided recommendations can support employer goals of achieving greater equity and value in workforce health, measurably contributing to business success.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Organizational Culture
/
Occupational Health
/
Workplace
/
Health Equity
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Am J Health Promot
Journal subject:
Public Health
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
0890117120983288
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