Our consistent score of 100 recognizes our continuing effort to create an inclusive culture for people with disabilities.

For the third year in a row, Astellas has been included in the Disability Equality Index as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). For the second consecutive year, Astellas earned a top score of 100. The Disability Equality Index® (DEI) is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and Am Law 200 to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors.

“We are proud to be recognized consecutively as a Disability Equality Index top scorer for the accomplishments we’ve made in disability inclusion.” said Frank Hudson, senior vice president, R&D Finance and executive sponsor of Astellas’ Abilities Employee Impact Group. “This recognition shines a light on our steadfast commitment to continuously provide all employees and their family members a supportive environment that provides them the tools to succeed and support our mission to create innovative treatments that can meet the diverse needs of patients around the world.”

Our Abilities Employee Impact Group (Abilities EIG) leads an alliance of passionate and committed employees who aim to raise awareness of the impact that physical, mental and emotional disabilities have on the Astellas community. Employees or family members with disabilities and allies make up this strong network of advocates that supports each other to live up to their fullest potential. Recently, the Abilities EIG team hosted a session addressing the benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace to increase knowledge around prospective hiring of neurodiverse individuals for our leaders, managers, and work colleagues and show the value these candidates can bring to Astellas.

The Abilities EIG has also prioritized mental health awareness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has included programming around work-life management and other topics focused on raising awareness and addressing stigma associated with mental health. They also fostered a corporate partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and co-hosted a webinar that featured insights from experts on how trauma impacts the human experience related to mental health, communication, and relationships. Experts shared ideas on how to create safe spaces for those who have had traumatic experiences and impact from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), as well as communication strategies to foster awareness and sensitivity. 

“Based on our shared values and cultural attributes, we strive to create an Astellas for all, which is why we support our people to grow personally and professionally. We are honored to score 100 on the Disability Equality Index, and we are committed to making progress for years to come,” stated La Toya McClellan, senior director and global head of Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “I’m eager to see where our dedication to improving disability equality can take us as we continue to foster an environment where all employees feel welcomed, included, and inspired.”

In addition, Astellas works to foster a Culture of Caring and offers its employees and families incredible well-being programs like our Family Care Solutions. These programs support employees and family members to address a variety of life challenges including caring for elderly parents, unexpected childcare needs and extensive help for employees and families living with disabilities.

Learn more about Astellas’ commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable culture here and our Abilities EIG here.