February 18, 2025 – Starting this month, a new industrywide think tank will help define ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in disability and absence management to help employers use the tool in a compliant, employee-centric manner. The group, which will include AI ethicists and employers as well as third-party administrators, insurance carriers, and government agencies, will discuss transparency of AI models, fairness and bias mitigation, data privacy and security, and more.

The Think Tank is led by the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), an industry association that represents more than 20,000 leave management professionals, and is sponsored by PERKY, a leading provider of digital planning tools. The goal is to build a future in which AI contributes positively to disability and absence management and supports inclusivity, diversity, and ethical integrity within organizations, explained Bryon E. Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC.

“By addressing the unique challenges within the leave landscape, we pave the way for responsible adoption of AI that enhances employee experience, streamlines administrative complexities, and ensures employer compliance,” Bass added. 

Shelby George, CEO, PERKY, concurred. “By defining terms, prioritizing transparency, and focusing on fairness, we can ensure that AI empowers us to create more equitable and efficient absence management programs.”   

A DMEC AI Think Tank Pulse Survey will inform the Think Tank’s work. It will be open to employers in the U.S. and Canada from Feb. 18 through March 18; DMEC plans to share initial findings and discuss AI-related challenges with employers during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference April 14-17 in Columbus, Ohio.

About PERKY: PERKY is a leading provider of digital planning tools designed to simplify and enhance the employee experience. By leveraging innovative technology and user driven insights, PERKY empowers benefit-smart organizations to support their employees through significant life events, ensuring a smooth and personalized planning journey. Contact: Samantha Saxby, hello@perkytech.com, 585-404-4569, PERKY LinkedIn  

About DMEC: DMEC is the premier resource for absence and disability management professionals. DMEC provides comprehensive education, training, and networking opportunities, empowering professionals to develop and implement effective strategies for minimizing lost work time, maximizing workforce productivity, and ensuring legal compliance in their absence and disability programs. Contact: Heather Grimshaw, hgrimshaw@dmec.org, 800.789.3632, ext. 129, DMEC LinkedIn