The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Names Celgene Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality for 2019

Celgene is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality with a stellar score of 100 percent for 2019.

The Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees (LGBTQ).  Administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an annual CEI survey is sent to hundreds of global companies to evaluate an array of LGBTQ-related policies and practices.

The CEI rating criteria have three key pillars:

•  Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
•  Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families;
•  Supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility

Celgene’s focus on these important areas of workplace equality and inclusion resulted in a 100 percent ranking and the proud designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

Joe Hand, EVP, Global HR & Corporate Services says, “We are pleased that our commitment and efforts to ensure all Celgene colleagues feel welcomed were recognized with the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality! Our inclusive benefits, workforce protections and the ongoing support and leadership of employee resource groups, like our Celgene Pride Alliance, all contributed to this perfect score on the Index.”

What Makes Celgene The Best Place To Work

A heavy emphasis on mentorship, volunteerism and employee inclusion groups has also been an area of focus across the organization.  Employee resource groups, including the Celgene Pride Alliance, offer opportunities for colleagues to connect and network. Supported by Executive Sponsors who are members of the Celgene Executive Committee, these resource groups host events and campaigns that bring together Celgene employees in an inclusive and safe environment to advance the dialog of social awareness and acceptance and drive necessary change.

“The main goal for our growing list of employee resource groups is to promote employee development and learning, drive engagement and model inclusive behavior where all colleagues can be their authentic selves at work,” said Juli Blanche, VP, Talent Acquisition & Employee Experience. “Inclusivity and diversity in the workplace not only create a more welcoming environment – it fosters new ideas, approaches and innovation across our entire business.  I’m proud of everyone at Celgene for their commitment to recruit and retain the top industry talent inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” she added.

In recent years, employees also benefited from exciting enhancements to many U.S. benefits including important Work-Life benefits like increased paid parental leave for either parent, a “bridge back to work” policy that allows new parents to transition back to work on a part-time basis but with full pay, comprehensive and inclusive family building and fertility benefits, increased adoption support and assistance and a policy for flexible work arrangements, to name a few.

“Earning a spot on the Human Rights Campaign’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” list, with a 100% rating, is a great accomplishment! It is evidence of the pro-active collaborative efforts between the Celgene Executive Committee and the Celgene Pride Alliance. More importantly, it exemplifies the company’s indelible commitment to diversity and its actions to cultivate an inclusive work environment,” remarked Olivier J. Gouedard, Chair-Celgene Pride Alliance.

Looking Forward into the Future of Celgene

Celgene continues to strive to make the workplace a welcoming and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

“While we are excited with the ranking and designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, we also recognize there is always more to be done to ensure parity and inclusion.  We look forward to continuing to move the needle while remaining focused on our collective goal to improve patient outcomes,” said Joe Hand.

To learn more about Celgene’s people and culture, click here