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November 2009
Diversity in the Workplace
The Changing Demographics
There is no doubt that the United States is becoming more diverse. According to the U.S. Census Bureau by 2040 Latino's will have grown to 30% of the working age population up from 15% in 2008, African-Americans will represent 15% up from 13% and Asian-Americans will represent 9.6 % up from 5.3%. From 1980 to 2000 the minority population grew 11 times faster than the white, non-Hispanic population. Studies have shown that the growth in workforce diversity has been accompanied by additional challenges. As stated in the National Business Group on Health, 2009 report, "Employers need to be aware of these demographic shifts and to understand that in this new environment, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to employee health benefits will not be effective". These new employees may have differing health needs and may experience different treatments. "Employers assume that their health benefit investments will produce equal outcomes for all employees in terms of overall health status. Research is proving otherwise. Disparities in health and health care exist, even among employers with equal benefits."
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