The confluence of global events during 2020 and their continued occurrence in 2021 has heightened employees’ desire to connect. While stress and wellness programs at companies are gaining popularity, they don’t address core issues around stigma and company culture. A (2020) survey of 1,200 U.S. employees showed that more than 40% have experienced a decline in mental health since the outbreak of the pandemic yet utilization rates of common resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are as low as 4.5%. Inclusive organizations focus on employee well-being and employees that experience high levels of well-being are more inclusive. Effective well-being initiatives accommodate the unique needs of different employees and best-practice diversity, equity and inclusion programs recognize that well-being is a diversity issue.

Session Objectives

Participants will gain an understanding of how well-being focused Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can enhance organizational DEI efforts to foster more inclusive workplaces through addressing whole person needs: emotional, physical and financial. We will also look at examples of how ERG collaboration with each other and organizational wellness programs and partners can enhance work towards anti-racism and allyship through education and increased advocacy of well-being. Vaccine education will also be addressed.