Celebrating Diversity: Johnson & Johnson’s Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community

by Team Iamsafeatwork

20-06-2023

Safety

19-06-23

Introduction:

Over 50 years ago this month, the first Pride marches were held in various cities across the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots in New York City. These marches have since paved the way for LGBTQ Pride Month, observed every June, to advocate for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For over 30 years, Johnson & Johnson has been at the forefront of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community by implementing inclusive employee policies, adopting progressive business practices, and actively engaging in public advocacy. In collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign, Johnson & Johnson has joined numerous prominent U.S. employers in endorsing the federal Equality Act and opposing state legislation that discriminates against the LGBTQIA+ community.

Promoting LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Advocacy:

Johnson & Johnson also strives to foster an inclusive work environment where LGBTQIA+ employees can express their true selves and receive support. The company is committed to implementing policies and benefits that cater to the needs of each individual and their families.

Liz for Minard, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Executive Sponsor of the Open Out employee resource group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, emphasized her longstanding support for the LGBTQIA+ community. She recognizes the significance of advocating for their rights, equality, and overall well-being. While acknowledging the progress made in the fight for equality, For Minard acknowledges that there is still much work to be done on a global scale. This includes addressing disparities in community health, combatting hate crimes and violence, increasing visibility and representation, and addressing challenges to LGBTQIA+ rights.

30 Years Strong:

With over 130,000 employees worldwide, Johnson & Johnson boasts a diverse workforce supported by 12 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that bring together colleagues based on shared interests, identities, affinities, and experiences.

Among these ERGs, Open Out has emerged as one of the fastest-growing groups within the company. It currently comprises nearly 4,000 LGBTQIA+ employees and allies spread across 100-plus chapters globally. Open Out’s primary objective is to cultivate an inclusive work environment where every employee feels secure, heard, and embraced.

The members of Open Out play a vital role in generating fresh and diverse ideas that not only strengthen the overall employee community but also help Johnson & Johnson enhance its ability to serve diverse customers worldwide.

In 2023, Open Out celebrates its 30th anniversary under the theme “30 Years Strong.” The group aims to honour the efforts of the numerous pioneering employees who have consistently championed meaningful inclusion, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Johnson & Johnson’s corporate culture.

Johnson & Johnson reaffirmed its dedication to supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals in the United States by signing the Human Rights Campaign’s business statement on anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation.

Championing Advocacy and Inclusion:

Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ issues has garnered recognition for over 15 years, as the company has consistently been recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Kristen Mulholland, Head of Human Resources, Global Total Rewards & Enterprise HR Functions, emphasizes the company’s culture and policies that prioritize diversity and inclusion. Johnson & Johnson has received accolades from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage and benefits for same-sex partners. Mulholland recognizes the company’s responsibility to provide equal opportunities, foster a sense of belonging, and enable employees to express their authentic selves. By embracing diverse perspectives, Johnson & Johnson aims to deliver innovative healthcare solutions to patients, consumers, and customers worldwide.