A Diverse, Inclusive Workplace

Diversity of perspectives, life experiences and skills are critical to Abbott's global competitiveness. Representation of women and minorities in management has increased over 70 percent and 82 percent, respectively. Women make up nearly half our U.S. workforce (49 percent), and 32.5 percent of our workforce are members of minority groups.

Abbott is increasingly focused on the challenges of defining and achieving a more diverse workforce outside North America. We intend to intensify this focus in 2009.

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Diversity Management

Abbott's Executive Inclusion Council, led by our Chairman and CEO, monitors the hiring and advancement of women and minorities in management and supports programs that promote an inclusive work environment. In 2008, the head of our pharmaceuticals division joined the Council. In the past two years, we have met or exceeded 100 percent of the gender- and minority-related placement goals established by the Council.

We also launched a number of new initiatives to help create a more diverse employee base, for example, expansion of our recruitment efforts in collaboration with our employee networks. Divisional inclusion councils also support execution of our strategies across the company. These and other new tools drive continued progress, which is presented to our Board of Directors each year in Abbott's Diversity & Inclusion annual report.