Diversity and inclusion

A respectful working environment

We are committed to inclusive leadership behaviors that create and sustain equality of opportunity, fairness, mutual respect, work and style choices, dignity and respect for all.

To operate successfully as a global company, it is essential that our people reflect the rich cultural, ethnic and gender diversity of our markets; as our customer base grows increasingly diverse, a diverse talent pool becomes a critical bridge between the workplace and the marketplace.

We consider Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) to encompass, but not be limited to, ethnicity, gender, thinking styles, religion and belief, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, education, nationality and life experiences.

Diversity of our workforce enhances customer insight and our ability to meet the needs of patients and other stakeholders. Retaining this talent adds value to our shareholders, our company, our customers, our employees, our suppliers and the communities in which we live and work.

 

 

Experts in diversity

We also established an external Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (DIAC) with internationally renowned experts from academia, business and non-governmental organizations. The council is meant to advise Novartis in all aspects of D&I. The four Novartis divisions are now developing and implementing their own specific D&I structures and action plans.

In 2006, we also launched a 'Pharma CEO Diversity and Inclusion Award.' The award recognizes teams and individuals who have significantly contributed to D&I by enhancing teamwork, driving innovation and as a result improving business performance.

Primary means to leverage Diversity and Inclusion include our many Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are internal support systems and peer networks linking people with shared interests. The ERGs include gender and ethnic groups, as well as groups comprising working parents, veterans of armed forces, and associates living with cancer or who have loved ones afflicted with the disease.

One ERG of African-American leaders served as an in-house focus group during launch preparations for various products.

 

 

Women at Novartis

Another, Women in Leadership, partnered with our Cardiovascular Business Franchise and the American Heart Association in developing programs helping physicians promote good cardiovascular health in women.

The Novartis Female Leadership Forum is also a key component of our Diversity and Inclusion efforts. In 2008, some 350 managers from 50 countries gathered in Basel, at our Swiss headquarters, for the fourth annual forum.

 

 

Teaching and training

Teaching and training are big parts of our Diversity and Inclusion effort. Our 'Winning Styles' program focuses on communications styles and executive presence. The 'Inclusive Leadership' program focuses on inclusion as a means of achieving the full potential of diverse teams.

To further support its D&I commitment, Novartis is the founding sponsor of the Healthcare Businesswomens Association (HBA) affiliate in Europe, an international non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the advancement of women in the healthcare industry.

Visit the Healthcare Businesswomens Association website

 

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