Johnson & Johnson tops the diversity board

Launched in 2001, Diversity Inc has highlighted the need for companies to diversify and look at new ways to attract and develop talent, promote supplier diversity and guarantee leadership accountability.

We look at the top 10 healthcare companies which have made the list.

1. Johnson & Johnson

Taking the top spot, Johnson & Johnson has risen five places to become this year’s most diverse company.  

With over 130,000 employees globally, the company houses an executive diversity council, as well as two Johnson & Johnson employee resource groups, a Women's Leadership Initiative and the Veteran's Leadership Council, which are spearheaded by CEO Alex Gorsky.

Promoting a culture of inclusion and innovation, the company has built a diverse workforce for the future, enhancing its business performance and reputation.

Additionally, it has harnessed essential technologies to eliminate gender bias within job descriptions and have trained interviewers to combat bias during the interview process. Their Sponsorship Program for Diverse Talent has had so much success that they are expanding it this year.

2.  Eli Lilly

Moving an impressive 10 spots, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly was awarded 6th most diverse company through the findings.

3. Procter and Gamble

Spending over $2bn a year with diverse suppliers, Procter and Gamble are represented by over 140 nationalities across its global workforce. Gaining 15th place, the company has built an inclusive culture, and has amassed a number of diverse suppliers.

4. Abbott

Following closely behind, pharmaceutical company Abbott houses an executive inclusion council and is committed to developing talent and ensuring accountability.

Miles D. White, Chairman and CEO has said: "Diversity is fundamental to Abbott. Not only are we one of the world's most broadly diversified healthcare companies, with technology-driven businesses that span the spectrum of life and health – we're also one of the most globalised, doing business in more than 150 countries. This gives us a deep-rooted understanding of, and appreciation for, diversity and the benefits it confers."

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5. Anthem

Coming in at 20th place, Healthcare insurance provider Anthem continuously strives to make healthcare more affordable, and accessible for consumers.

6. AbbVie

Gaining 29th spot, AbbVie is present in over 170 countries and has therefore gained a diverse workforce to promote innovation and the development of essential medicines. The company has a number of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support its diversity strategy and was awarded a multitude of awards in 2017 for its work to promote inclusivity.

7. Aetna

Following closely behind, health provider Aetna has been awarded 30th place for its work surrounding diversity.

Recognised by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation with the highest possible score on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the company has also been inducted into the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Hall of Fame as a top company for women executives.

“Diversity and inclusion are more than words to us at Aetna. They are values that are deeply embedded in our DNA – implicitly woven into our strategic business goals, applied across every touchpoint of the employee experience, and brought to life within our communities through the corporate and social responsibility efforts of our employees,” Kay Mooney, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President, Workplace Well-being & Inclusion, has said.

8. Colgate-Palmolive

With global brands sold in over 200 countries, Colgate-Palmolive has been awarded 38th place. Promoting diversity has become essential for the company to develop key solutions and unlock further opportunities, and also works to support the creation of Employee Network Groups.

9. CVS Health

Gaining 40th place, CVS Health has moved up an impressive 10 places and has become a frontrunner in supplier diversity.

David Casey, VP, Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer, said: "We work hard at building a diverse workforce and inclusive environment at CVS Health, knowing that it helps us attract and retain strong talent.

“We have found that true innovation is enhanced when we seek out and include the diverse experiences and ideas of our customers, colleagues and communities. We'll continue to make even greater strides in building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture where all colleagues can contribute and succeed."

10. Sanofi

Building programmes and creating policies that reflect its unwavering commitment to diversity, Sanofi implemented nine ERG’s to support innovation and to support development of new ideas, and has placed significant investment in developing a diverse supply base.