8 ways to use technology to make benefits more inclusive
In business, we focus on not only diversity and inclusion but also equity, or DE&I. The aim is to create a fair, equal, welcoming and safe environment for all employees, no matter their background, beliefs, or circumstances.
Why DE&I is important
As Claire Coleman, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead at Sodexo Engage puts it: “It is important to be inclusive in your DE&I initiatives. You can do this by planning ahead to acknowledge a range of awareness days and faith celebration days that reflect your employees' interests to ensure maximum engagement.”
A DE&I policy is fast becoming a business and employee strategy essential. By focusing on your DE&I strategy today, you can reap the short and long-term benefits and future-proof your business, ensuring you can attract tomorrow’s workforce.
Employees working within diverse workplaces are 45% more likely to report a growth in market share, and diverse organisations are 70% more likely to report capturing a new market.
Having robust DE&I policies and practices boosts a company’s reputation and improves talent acquisition and retention. It also leads to a more engaged workforce that understands and believes they’ll receive equal opportunities, support and pay.
Technology can play a crucial role in promoting DE&I by helping to make benefits more inclusive.
1. Flexible benefits platforms
Flexible benefits platforms allow employees to personalise their benefits packages. These platforms can enable individuals to choose from a range of options that cater to diverse needs, such as healthcare plans, family leave options, or wellness programmes.
2. Digital accessibility
Ensure that all benefit-related information, platforms and tools are accessible to employees with disabilities. Incorporate features like screen readers, closed captions and alternative text to make digital content inclusive and accessible to everyone.
3. Mobile apps
Mobile apps provide easy access to benefits information and resources. Easy access enables employees to review their benefits, make changes and contact support wherever they are.
4. Multilingual systems
Digital platforms make it easy to offer benefits information in multiple languages, so that those within your workforce who don’t speak English as a first language can access their benefits and wellbeing resources in a user-friendly way.
5. Data-driven insights
The best way to make your employee benefits offering successful is to collect and review data from your employees’ wants, needs and preferences. This information helps identify disparities and inform decisions to improve inclusivity and tailor benefits to diverse needs.
6. Employee resource groups platforms
Provide online platforms or tools to support employee resource groups (ERGs), which are voluntary groups of employees who come together based on shared identities or experiences. These platforms can facilitate communication, resource sharing and collaboration among ERG members, fostering an inclusive community.
7. Virtual training and education
Use technology to offer virtual training sessions and educational resources on DEI topics, including inclusive benefits. Webinars, online courses and interactive modules can help raise awareness and educate employees about the importance of diverse and equitable benefits.
8. Communication
In its eBook, The Mountain of Lost Benefits: Making Benefits Matter, Sodexo Engage reveals that 47% of employees would prefer communications aboout benefits via email. However, with most benefits providers, employees must opt into marketing emails, so they may not always get the information. For some employees, text may be the best communication method. Having multiple channels of communication is essential.
Technology enables an inclusive approach to employee benefits, but DE&I goes beyond benefits. The first step is to embed DE&I into your business with robust policies and continuous training and education.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Pluxee UK
Pluxee UK, is a leading employee benefits and engagement partner that opens up a world of opportunities to help people enjoy more of what really matters in their lives.
