10 N.J. companies named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

“Improving our policies and benefits for employees with disabilities has always been a priority for us,” Philip Blake, president of Bayer U.S., said. “Increasing our score and being recognized as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion is a true honor and testament to Bayer’s commitment to bettering the lives of its employees and their families.”

Here are the New Jersey companies that scored 100% the list:

• American Water, Camden;
• Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick;
• Merck, Kenilworth;
• Prudential, Newark;
• TD Bank, Cherry Hill.

And 90%

• Bayer U.S., Whippany;
• BD, Franklin Lakes;
• Dun & Bradstreet, Short Hills;
• Quest Diagnostics, Secaucus;
• Sanofi U.S., Bridgewater.

As part of its commitment to inclusive cultures and diverse workforces, Bayer said it partnered with Inclusion Works of Disability:IN, a nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. “Aligned with our inclusive vision of Health for All and Hunger for None, we embrace and encourage our employees’ uniqueness and continue to work to build a culture where every employee feels a sense of belonging,” Shakti Harris, head of Bayer’s Inclusion & Diversity in the U.S., said. “This DEI recognition represents the hard work, passion, and commitment everyone at Bayer has given to get to this point. Not only is disability inclusion the right thing to do, but it’s naturally aligned with the communities and patients we serve.” In 2020, 247 corporations, including 143 Fortune 500 and 154 Fortune 1000, used the DEI to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. Companies that scored 80% or higher were included in the index. “The best way to attract, retain and grow talent with disabilities is to create an accessible, inclusive workplace. This year’s top scoring Disability Equality Index companies are demonstrating their commitment to many of the numerous leading disability inclusion practices featured in the DEI, recognizing that there’s still room for improvement,” Jill Houghton, CEO and president of Disability:IN, said. “We are proud to have developed strong partnerships with corporate allies who are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across their businesses in the United States and around the world.”