BD is proud to be named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the third year in a row, earning a score of 90 on the Disability Equality Index^® (DEI), the most comprehensive benchmarking tool measuring tangible actions towards disability inclusion and equality.

This recognition reflects our efforts to create an inclusive workplace environment for our associates with diverse abilities, and advance disability inclusion through community activities and partnerships.

“We strive to foster an inclusive workplace where every BD associate can bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential,” said Betty Larson, EVP & Chief HR Officer, BD. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in evolving our systems, processes and tools to support associates, and continue to look for opportunities to further advance disability inclusion. We’re pleased to be in the company of so many other organizations who are also demonstrating their commitment to ID&E through supporting individuals with diverse abilities.”

The DEI methodology is updated each year to reflect emerging best practices, and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was modernized to add new questions about innovative technology to advance digital and remote accessibility, mental wellness benefits, services for Deaf and hard of hearing employees, and flexible work options. It measured our progress across six areas including:

1. Culture & Leadership
2. Enterprise-Wide Access
3. Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations)
4. Community Engagement
5. Supplier Diversity
6. Non-U.S. Operations

Developed by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, the DEI helps businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 50+ million Americans with disabilities. Disability:IN is a leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide.

“The Disability Equality Index shines a spotlight on companies that believe they have a stake in creating a more equitable society for people with disabilities,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD. “It is a conduit for our work championing disability rights for the 60 million Americans with disabilities and knocking down barriers to employment, technology and healthcare, and we're thrilled to see the progress being made today.”

As part of our commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E), BD regularly participates in external benchmarking surveys to track our progress and provide additional visibility to stakeholders. This year we have been named to three other prestigious lists in recognition of our inclusive policies and practices including Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index, Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality and DiversityInc Noteworthy Companies.

To learn more about our inclusion and diversity programs, read the “Empowerment” section of our 2020 Sustainability Report starting on page 96.