AstraZeneca’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Safety in the Workplace

by Team Iamsafeatwork

03-07-2023

Safety

In 2022, AstraZeneca joined Disability:IN’s Inclusion Works programme, aiming to promote the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and foster accessible innovation for everyone. The company’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and its stance against discriminatory policies was further emphasized when they became a member of the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Coalition for Equality Act in the United States. Additionally, AstraZeneca signed the Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation.

AstraZeneca continued to strengthen its relationships with external organizations and institutions throughout 2022. In the United States, they collaborated with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). The company’s initiatives involved funding scholarships, participating in recruitment programs, and offering STEM mentoring to provide opportunities for underrepresented talent.

In the United Kingdom, AstraZeneca signed the Wellbeing of Women Menopause Workplace Pledge, demonstrating their commitment to raising awareness of menopause as an important workplace issue. The company pledged to support employees affected by menopause.

Furthermore, AstraZeneca launched the 2022 Lead in Sustainability Accelerator program for 40 small and diverse businesses in partnership with the Diversity Alliance for Science. The company also played a crucial role as a founding partner in the European Expansion Programme (ESDP)/MSDUK, the first pan-European diversity initiative. This program aims to enhance supplier diversity in six European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Additionally, AstraZeneca became a founding partner of Buy Social Europe, Social Enterprise UK, actively seeking and engaging leading social enterprise suppliers across the European Union and Switzerland region to contribute to their value chain.

To further support their diverse workforce, AstraZeneca established an Employee Resource Group program. This initiative encourages employees to form groups based on shared experiences, interests, or backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and providing resources and support within the organization.

In summary, AstraZeneca’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is evident through their partnerships, initiatives, and membership in various organizations. By collaborating with external entities, the company aims to create pathways for underrepresented talent, address workplace issues, and enhance supplier diversity. Through these efforts, AstraZeneca strives to cultivate an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.