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Two-thirds (68 per cent) of global employers with high levels of employee engagement say they have a well defined diversity, equity and inclusion plan, according to a new survey by Aon.

The survey, which polled more than 1,200 benefits and DEI leaders in 55 countries, found while three-quarters (74 per cent) of employers have an internal DEI definition and policy, this percentage increases to 82 per cent among employers with high levels of engagement across 70 per cent of employees.

The majority (93 per cent) of employers said they have senior leadership support and sponsorship for DEI initiatives and 84 per cent have identified colleagues responsible for leading DEI initiatives.

Read: Survey finds 68% of North American employers have a formal DEI program

The top three areas that employers cover with their DEI policies are gender (71 per cent), ethnicity (66 per cent) and sexual orientation (64 per cent), according to the survey, which noted mental health, parental status, veteran status and religion are often not included under these policies.

The survey also examined the role of DEI in benefits plan design. More than two-fifths (44 per cent) of employers said they provide support for employees diagnosed with cervical and breast cancer, while a third said they encourage prostate cancer screenings (32 per cent) and promote awareness of increased risks of certain cancers for men (31 per cent). A fifth said they promote awareness of menopause (18 per cent) and awareness and assistance for osteoporosis (17 per cent).

Read: Sounding Board: How DEI enhances workplace safety, employee attraction, retention