Embracing Differences: Health Equity in the Workplace

Katie Scott, a Health Equity and Inclusive Benefits Strategist at Mercer, moderated a panel discussion on Health Equity in the Workplace. The panel consisted of David from Yum Brands, Hannah from BuzzFeed, and Heather from Brown-Forman. They discussed the importance of addressing health disparities in increasingly diverse workforces and the significant cost of health disparities in the US. Various strategies were mentioned, including rethinking policies and benefits to better meet the needs of all employees and families, using data to identify gaps and disparities, and implementing inclusive benefits and policies. They also discussed the importance of partnering with external vendors to support diverse populations and the value of ongoing efforts to advance health equity. The discussion touched on various examples of inclusive benefits, such as fertility assistance, parental leave, mental health resources, and more. The importance of regular feedback from employees and continuous improvement were also highlighted.