Family-Building Benefits: A Medical Necessity
Family-building and reproductive benefits are essential healthcare services, no different than cancer treatments or broken bones. “We consider family-building benefits to be a vital component of medical care,” says Dr. Roger Shedlin, CEO of WIN. “These benefits remain unaffected by changes to DEI, and we see this as an additional driver of the growing trend to provide more and foster greater inclusivity.” Employers are increasingly recognizing that family-building support, including IVF, adoption, foster care, and menopausal benefits, is vital healthcare. These benefits shouldn’t be treated any differently than other essential treatments.A Growing Trend: The Rise of Family-Building Benefits
Reproductive benefits have seen a steady and impressive increase over recent years. A 2023 survey by Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments found that 86% of employers plan to expand family-forming and reproductive support by 2025. This is not just a short-term trend, but a fundamental shift in how organizations are rethinking their approach to employee well-being. Companies are beginning to recognize that providing comprehensive family-building support—such as IVF, fertility preservation, adoption assistance, and menopausal care—goes beyond meeting employee needs. It’s a strategic move that enhances retention, boosts morale, and attracts top talent. As the competition for skilled workers intensifies, employers are increasingly viewing these benefits as essential to maintaining a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. What’s driving this change? A combination of factors, including a growing awareness of the challenges employees face when building families, evolving societal expectations, and the recognition that investing in these benefits leads to a healthier, more engaged workforce. Offering family-building benefits is no longer seen as a “nice-to-have” but as a vital component of a company’s commitment to the overall health and success of its employees. This trend signals a deeper shift in how businesses view the intersection of personal well-being and organizational performance, further solidifying family-building support as a core benefit for the future.Employers Stepping Up to Meet Employee Needs
Amid political changes, employers continue to signal their support for a diverse workforce by investing in family-building benefits. In a recent interview with EBN, Dr. Shedlin noted, “We’re seeing increased calls for employee engagement and education campaigns to communicate the availability of these benefits.” This ensures employees are aware of the resources available and feel supported as they navigate family-building. Many employers are also creating forums where employees can share their family-building stories, strengthening community and reinforcing the importance of these benefits.Reproductive Benefits: A Long-Term Investment
Employers are offering reproductive benefits in more generous, inclusive, and supportive ways. The increasing demand for these services reflects a long-term investment in employee well-being that will continue to grow.The Bottom Line: Well-being is Good for Business
At WIN, we understand that supporting employee well-being is a business imperative. Offering fertility benefits, mental health support, and other resources helps build a thriving, engaged workforce. In times of uncertainty, employees need to know their well-being is a top priority. Supporting reproductive benefits isn’t about political trends—it’s about doing what’s right for employees, their families, and the organization’s long-term success. Family-building benefits are more than a trend—they are a key differentiator for employers. By offering these benefits, you send a clear message: you care about your employees and are committed to supporting them through every phase of their personal and professional lives. As discussions continue about the future of DEI and reproductive benefits, this recent EBN article highlights why employer commitment to family-building benefits is more important than ever.Reach out to us at solutions@winfertility.com to learn how we can help your organization provide inclusive, supportive benefits for all employees.
