Bringing It All Together at Abbott

With so many companies clamoring about diversity today, it's difficult to know who's just riding the latest wave of buzzwords and who's genuinely sincere about hiring the very best and brightest. When you look deeper, however, the picture becomes clearer. Some corporations have done more than just talk about diversity. They've discovered that building a diverse and inclusive workforce yields intellectual capital that can take a company to places it would never have imagined.

Magazines like Fortune and Next Step have begun recognizing specific companies that have taken action to build diversity and inclusion within their ranks. One such example is Abbott Laboratories. Listed for the last three years as one of Fortune's "Top 50 Companies for Minorities," and one of Next Step's "Diversity 100," Abbott employs 70,000 employees in 130 countries, all of whom are dedicated to the worldwide discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutritional and hospital products. You might assume that such a large company would hope to achieve diversity by sheer numbers, but Abbott's methods are extremely action-oriented.

Why is Abbott's approach to diversity so aggressive? The company sees diversity as a vital element to ensure success in the competitive health care industry. In an arena that is heavily fueled by inventive ideas and new approaches, a variety of viewpoints and backgrounds is a must. From engineers to programmers, from technicians to sales representatives, each individual adds a unique, invaluable perspective to the mix.

Abbott has developed several programs designed to attract and retain people from all walks of life. The company has a nationally recognized internship program that prepares college students for full-time employment after graduation. This program boasts a 40 percent representation of minorities and more than 50 percent women.

For full-time employees, a program called Performance Excellence helps them devise a career growth plan that's tailor-made to their needs. Abbott continues its support through training, work experiences and mentoring, to make that plan a reality. As a result, the number of minorities in management positions has increased 85 percent, and the number of women in management positions has risen 72 percent over the last 4 years.

While career development is important, Abbott has realized that many of the best candidates are looking for a company that supports them at work and at home life. The company offers programs such as flexible work arrangements and a range of work/life resources to help achieve this equilibrium. These resources offer practical solutions on a variety of issues such as parenting and childcare, education, finances, elder care and many other everyday issues. Abbott understands that who their employees are at home affects who they are at work.

Rewarding employees' productivity is another essential factor in retaining top talent. Abbott continues to be competitive on that level as well. While saving lives is a significant reward, financial recognition brings the success home on a personal level. Abbott award programs have granted employees more than $10 million during the last three years. In addition, hundreds of employees have become millionaires through the Abbott 401K program, and the company also provides annuity retirement and cash profit sharing plans.

Abbott recognizes that diversity only makes the company stronger. The combination of cultures and backgrounds, and the corporate mission to make a difference in people's lives, provides a strong lure for any prospective employee. It places Abbott ahead of their competitors in so many ways. As a result, Abbott is not only riding the waves of diversity, they're leading the tide of the future.

Write us today or visit our web site at www.abbott.com/career to learn more. Abbott Laboratories, Diagnostic Division, 1921 Hurd Drive, Irving, TX 75038.

E-mail: success@abbottcareers.com