Searching Workplace Equity on page 29

President Donald Trump about making alternative assets more accessible in 401(k) plans;; ;Department of Labor amendments regarding alternative assets and cryptocurrency in retirement plans; and,; ;A reduction in Securities and Exchange Commission restrictions on private equity in certain types of funds; … the question of incorporating these types of investments into workplace retirement plans is increasingly on the radar for employers and their total rewards (TR) professionals.

Survey: Employers Remain Committed to DEI Despite President Donald Trump’s executive order to terminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs within government and private-sector employers, most businesses have not rolled back their DEI initiatives and commitments.

Improving Pay Equity Organizations may consider adding extra pay cycles to help close an identified pay gap — but if they choose to do so, there are several considerations to take into account.

While the new law has good intent — specifically, improving gender pay equity through greater transparency — the reporting itself can be associated with needlessly complex work (if taken literally) and inaccuracy (if implemented without appropriate care).

The most recent edition of Workspan’s sister publication #evolve focused on workplace equity and the progress that remains to be made toward achieving equality in the American working world.

Business Area Percent Change from 2024 Equity Sales and Trading Up 15% to 25% Firm Management (Equity Underwriting) Up 10% to 15% Advisory Up 10% to 15% Wealth Management Up 8% to 10% Asset Management Up 7% to 12% Fixed Income Sales and Trading Up 5% to 15% Investment Banking (Debt Underwriting) Up 5% to 15% Investment Banking (Equity Underwriting) Up 5% to 8% Private Credit Up 5% to 10% Corporate Staff Up 5% to 8% Hedge Funds Up 2.5% to 10%+ Insurance Up 2.5% to 5% Retail and Commercial Banking Flat to Up 5% Private Equity Flat to Up 5% Real Estate Flat Looking ahead to 2026, Johnson cited industry caution resulting from a slowing global economy, elevated market valuations and heightened credit risk.

Pay Equity and Transparency as Strategic Issues Pay equity has moved beyond compliance in India.

What’s more, it leaves enough room for nuance and the uniqueness of your organization, while still aligning with best practices in pay equity review.

While many respondents downplayed the impact of the election ontheir career,a significant portionof participantsdid feeltoday’s political climate hasgenerated professional impacts, including:  Increased expenses due to inflation or economic instability (31%);Increased stress and anxiety related to job security and financial stability (30%);Difficulty finding new employment or opportunities (27%);Higher stress at work (22%);Increased awareness of social justice and equity issues (21%);Loss of income, benefits or hours (19%);Reduced earning potential or salary stagnation (19%);Changes in workplace policies or practices (15%);Greater discrimination or bias in the workplace (15%);Shifts in company culture and values (15%);Feelings of isolation or disconnection from colleagues (13%);Changes in career goals or aspirations (13%);Greater focus on work-life balance and personal well-being (11%);Forced career change (11%); IRS Issues 403(b) G uidance for P art -T ime W orkers According to benefits