Global Citizenship

Our People

Diversity – of perspectives, life experiences and skills – is critical to our global competitiveness, and Abbott has a longstanding commitment to employee diversity and inclusion. We offer numerous initiatives to support a culturally fit workforce, including employee networks and inclusion councils, a robust mentoring program and our extensive work-life offerings. Our inclusive culture is reflected in our retention of employees and managers in the United States (currently above 92 percent), regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. Globally, women comprise 38 percent of management and 47 percent of the total workforce.

Abbott is increasingly focused on the challenges of defining and achieving a more diverse workforce outside North America. The expansion of our global focus will continue in 2010 with assessing and understanding Abbott’s work-life needs on a global basis and working with the local affiliates to develop solutions.

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Diversity Management

Abbott’s Executive Inclusion Council, led by our Chairman and CEO, monitors the hiring and advancement of women and minorities in management and supports programs that promote an inclusive work environment. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, Abbott met or exceeded the U.S. goals for the hiring and advancement of women and minorities established by the council in 2000. In the United States, representation of women and minorities in management has increased 59 percent and 68 percent, respectively, over the past ten years.

Employee Networks and Inclusion Councils

Employee networks play a vital role in building an inclusive culture at Abbott. Networks are sponsored by corporate officers, who help align the groups’ objectives with Abbott’s business strategy. By focusing on career development, mentoring, community involvement, informal networking and developing leadership skills, our networks continue to expand visibility and opportunities for participants. Nearly 8,000 employees participate in our six networks: Asian Cultural Leadership Network, Black Business Network, La Voice (Hispanic/Latino), the Part-Time Network, PRIDE (gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender) and Women Leaders in Action.

In 2009, Abbott’s Women Leaders in Action employee network was awarded the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) ACE Award for its efforts to strengthen the advancement, commitment and engagement of women’s careers in the health care industry. HBA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to furthering the advancement of women in health care worldwide.

Inclusion councils also support the execution of our diversity strategies within various divisions across the company. In 2009, the Abbott Diagnostics Division (ADD) Inclusion Council collaborated with all of Abbott’s employee networks to deliver several educational and career workshops for employees in ADD and other divisions. The Global Pharmaceutical Operations Inclusion Council developed inclusive workplace culture recommendations – such as global inclusion training, targeted communications and teamwork supports – that were approved for 2010 development.