Employers need to carefully consider the needs of their workforces if they're going to provide top-notch benefits. Some workers' living situations might seem unconventional and wouldn't normally need to be addressed with insurance coverage plans, but ignoring the changing domestic tides in the United States can leave some companies grasping for the best applicants for some positions.
For instance, the state of Michigan currently provides health insurance to domestic partners as if they were the spouse of a state worker. The government there is considering a repeal of this provision, which would strip quite a few people of their coverage. However, this threatens the benefits offered to many employees, especially those who work at the University of Michigan.
While it may seem wasteful to provide these individuals with medical insurance, it should be noted that fewer and fewer people are getting married every day. Consequently, candidates may find coverage that extends to their non-spouse partners an important enticement for applying. Consider performing an analysis of workforces to determine whether they demographically are less likely to marry but would still need to be offered a family-style health insurance package of benefits.
