Hearing, understanding workforce crucial in developing DEI in workplace
Calibrating benefits to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace has been a growing practice among organisations across the world as of late.
And while there will be challenges — depending on an employer’s sector, size, and the type of support that they have in place — the first step employers need to remember is to take a closer examination of what their workforce really wants.
This is according to Alan Oates, Aon Head of Advisory & Speciality and Global Benefits, Asia Pacific Health Solutions, in an exclusive feature with HRD.
"You can then ask yourself why the people you need are not joining your firm, or are leaving – and it's unlikely to be because of a dollar in their base salary," he said.
Employers also need to speak to their workforce and understand what their needs are.
"You can look at organisations who have already had those conversations and gone through that analysis and think about what you want to build in the future."
According to Oates, insights from these conversations will help identify gaps in the benefits offering and address them in the most-effective way.
"It's about taking a closer examination of what the needs of the modern workforce are, tailoring your strategy to your needs, and then marketing that message to strengthen your EVP. That message will then ring true because you have the benefits to support it," he said.
Oates made the remarks as benefits have evolved to become a "really important topic for global multinational organisations," where it is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
"Twenty years ago, I think benefits were seen as a hygiene factor, and companies were really differentiating themselves on compensation," he said. "However, benefits have taken on a completely different role now."
Aon recently looked into the DE&I benefits offered by organisations globally in this exclusive feature with HRD.
