Roughly a third of U.S. employees believe their employer lacks a sufficient commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, according to a new survey by Buck Global.
The survey, which polled nearly 700 employees and more than 200 employers, found 32 per cent of employees said their company lacks diverse benefits for diverse populations, a percentage that was higher among Black employees (35 per cent) and female employees (35 per cent).
Among millennials, 60 per cent said they expect their employer to demonstrate commitment to DEI. More than half (55 per cent) said they’d change jobs for better benefits and wish they had a better understanding of their benefits, compared to only 15 per cent of baby boomers.
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Financial well-being was cited as a top priority for employees, as more than half (54 per cent) of respondents said they’re living paycheque to paycheque, a percentage that was higher among Black (66 per cent), Native American (60 per cent) and Hispanic or Latino (56 per cent) employees.
Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of employees said they want more work-life balance resources and this need for support was most prevalent among Asian (78 per cent), Hispanic or Latino (78 per cent) and Black (76 per cent) employees.
“Employer benefits offerings — including voluntary benefits — play a central role in supporting well-being and the perception among employees of their company’s commitment to supporting an inclusive workplace culture,” said Tom Kelly, a principal in Buck’s health practice, in a press release. “Our findings show DEI is an important metric for employees, in addition to a comprehensive benefits plan, and support for holistic well-being for themselves and their dependants.”
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