Workplace equity is a fundamental pillar of a thriving and inclusive organisation, yet significant disparities remain, particularly for women in leadership and compensation. Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, women hold only 10.4% of Fortune 500 CEO positions, highlighting the barriers to advancement that persist at the highest levels in the United States.
Achieving Global Equity in the Workplace: Employee Benefits for Organisations
Mar 10, 2025 | 3 min read
Table of Contents
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, the global gender gap is 68.5% closed, reflecting that women have reached 68.5% of the equality in areas such as economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. At the current rate of progress, full gender parity is not expected until 2158, highlighting the ongoing challenges that organisations must address to close this gap, particularly in leadership roles and compensation.
The landscape of workplace benefits is evolving, with a growing focus on inclusivity and employee support. How can organisations leverage employee benefits to support gender equality and equity? What policies can be implemented to ensure fair compensation and equal opportunities for all employees? How can benefits like parental leave and tailored support systems address the specific needs of underrepresented groups and ensure they thrive in the workplace?
Understanding equity in the workplace
Workplace equity ensures employees have access to opportunities and resources tailored to their unique needs. Unlike equality, which offers the same resources to everyone, equity removes barriers that prevent certain groups from thriving.
Beyond fair treatment, equity means providing the necessary support for success, such as flexible hours for caregivers or region-based compensation adjustments. Companies that prioritise equity benefit from higher employee satisfaction, improved retention, and greater innovation.
Addressing disparities like the gender pay gap and healthcare access strengthens workplace inclusion. Organisations must track progress through leadership representation, pay analyses, and employee feedback to ensure equity is not just a goal but a reality.
The role of international employee benefits in promoting equity
Providing equitable benefits across a global workforce requires organisations to address regional disparities and ensure all employees have access to the support they need. By implementing structured international benefits programs, such as pooling, global underwriting and captive solutions, companies can create consistency and fairness across locations while adapting to local requirements.
1. Equal access to healthcare and wellness programs
Employees should have access to comprehensive healthcare benefits, regardless of their location or employment status. Offering global health insurance plans, mental health support, and flexible wellness programs ensures that all employees receive the care they need.
This approach promotes a healthier, more engaged workforce and helps organisations build a culture of well-being.
2. Fair compensation and benefits packages
Addressing wage gaps and ensuring competitive benefits is a key component of workplace equity. Companies can conduct pay audits, provide transparent salary structures, and offer performance-based incentives to foster fairness, helping employees feel valued and supported in their roles.
One of the key solutions to gender pay gap issues is ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of the employee's location. This is a crucial part of tackling gender discrimination in the workplace and promoting gender equality and equity in the workplace.
3. Parental leave and family support
Equitable parental leave policies ensure that both mothers and fathers have the necessary time to bond with their children. Providing childcare support, fertility benefits, and adoption assistance not only helps employees balance their professional and personal lives but also strengthens retention and employee loyalty.
4. International employee benefits
Global organisations must customise benefits to meet the needs of employees in different countries, ensuring that expatriates, remote workers, and international hires receive equal access to healthcare, retirement plans, and relocation assistance.
Utilising a global employee benefits platform streamlines this process, enabling companies to implement consistent benefits packages across various locations while bridging regional disparities and ensuring fair support for all employees.
5. Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Employee benefits should align with diversity and inclusion efforts, such as mentorship programs, leadership training for underrepresented groups, and affinity networks that support diverse employees. Companies can also provide education reimbursements and professional development opportunities to foster career growth across all levels.
Strategies for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, such as implementing equitable benefits for underrepresented groups, encourage employees to reach their full potential. Providing tailored support, such as flexible work arrangements and targeted career development programs, helps break down barriers to advancement.
Inclusive benefits play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment that encourages women to not only enter but thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Business advantages of equitable and inclusive employee benefits
1. Higher employee retention and satisfaction
2. Improved talent acquisition
A commitment to workplace equity attracts top talent, particularly from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, as potential candidates are drawn to organisations that demonstrate inclusivity. By prioritising equity in the hiring process, companies can build a more diverse and skilled workforce that can drive long-term success.
3. Enhanced brand reputation
Companies known for fostering an equitable workplace are more likely to build trust with customers, stakeholders, and future employees, ultimately strengthening their reputation in the market. This positive brand image can lead to increased customer loyalty and improve relationships with external partners.
4. Greater productivity and innovation
Employees who feel valued and supported are more engaged, driving creativity and innovation within their organisations. Creating an inclusive environment encourages diverse perspectives, leading to new ideas and solutions that enhance competitiveness.
Specifically, supporting women in STEM careers enables companies to leverage a broader talent pool, fostering groundbreaking innovations that drive industry progress.
Best practices for implementing equitable and inclusive employee benefits
- Conduct regular equity audits: Assess disparities in compensation, healthcare, and benefits to identify areas for improvement.
- Leverage global HR solutions: Utilise technology to streamline international benefits and ensure consistency across locations.
- Listen to employee feedback: Engage employees in discussions about their needs and adjust benefits accordingly.
- Educate leadership teams: Train managers on the importance of equity and inclusive leadership practices.
- Develop tailored benefits for diverse employee needs: Offer flexible benefits packages that address different life stages, cultural backgrounds, and personal circumstances.
Driving success through workplace equality and equity
Workplace equality and equity are essential drivers of business success. Inclusive and comprehensive employee benefits enable organisations to create an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, background, or location, are valued and supported. This commitment promotes higher employee satisfaction, boosts retention, and attracts top talent, ultimately contributing to improved performance, innovation, and long-term success. Investing in equity today establishes a foundation for sustained growth, resilience, and a more inclusive, thriving organisation in the future.
Allianz – empowering workplace equity and well-being
Learn more about employee benefits management, explore Allianz Partners’ Business Hub, and discover Allianz Partners’ Global Health Insurance and Benefits solutions.
