Feeling election fatigue? How politics will affect work

ELECTION 2024: Sixty-one percent of U.S. employees say they have already discussed politics at work with colleagues sometime in the past 12 months, according to a recent online survey conducted by Glassdoor , with 8% of those conversations revolving around the upcoming presidential election. In addition, two-thirds of employees said they feel supported if their company takes a stance on political issues, meaning that employers should already be thinking about how they plan to navigate the election season.?

"Given the increasing polarization of the political parties, presidential elections almost always impact U.S. workers," says political strategist and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Christie Lindor . "We've seen that in the last two election cycles, and I think this one will be no different. If anything, this one could be even more polarized because of the number of competing issues that are currently on the table right now."?

Here's what to expect, and how to start preparing: This is how the 2024 election results could impact DEI efforts

IVF AND FERTILITY BENEFITS: In February, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, meaning clinics and providers could have been subject to a potential wrongful death of a minor lawsuit if frozen embryos under their care were damaged or destroyed. As a result, several clinics had opted to halt their IVF treatment plans before the state's Republican governor signed a subsequent bill into law March 7 that protects IVF patients and providers from legal liability.?

"In some ways the recent actions in Alabama only reinforced the importance of family building and fertility benefits for employers," says Dr. Roger Shedlin , president and CEO of WIN . "[In the aftermath], we saw that protecting these benefits was very important to people, and employers decided to react to that thoughtfully."??

Here's what employers are considering around fertility benefits today: Alabama has updated its IVF ruling. What can employers learn from it?

REMINDER: EBN EXCELLENCE IN BENEFITS NOMINATIONS: It's that time again: Our fourth annual Excellence in Benefits Award nominations are now open!

Over the last year, HR leaders, tech innovators and advisers have been tasked with finding new solutions to both new and old problems facing today's workforce. Celebrate those efforts by filling out the nomination form for yourself or someone you work with: Who's leading the way on workplace culture? What's new and improved about their approach to health and wellness? Who's helping employers deliver supportive programs without breaking budgets?? And how are they taking advantage of emerging technology to push themselves, their team and their industry to the next level? Nominations are open until Friday, April 12, 2024. Winners will be selected and notified in May, and profiled in EBN's September issue.?

Submit your nomination here: 2024 Excellence in Benefits Awards nominations are now open