Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic information services, has once again been recognized as a ‚Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion‘ for the seventh consecutive year. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Quest by Disability: IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) as part of the 2024 Disability Equality Index®.
The Disability Equality Index® is a renowned benchmarking tool that evaluates corporate disability inclusion policies and programs. Quest achieved a perfect score of 100 this year, a significant improvement from previous years. This recognition underscores Quest’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace for its nearly 50,000 employees.
Cecilia K. McKenney, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Quest Diagnostics, emphasized the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and fostering a supportive culture where all employees can thrive. This commitment is reflected in Quest’s DiverseAbilities Employee Business Network (EBN), which was established in 2016 to empower individuals with disabilities.
The DiverseAbilities EBN, with over 350 members, plays a crucial role in supporting organizations that advocate for people with disabilities through employee giving campaigns and community outreach initiatives. This network is just one of 11 Employee Business Networks at Quest that actively promote education, advocacy, leadership development, community involvement, and a culture of belonging.
Pete Reiser, Executive Director of Digital Product Management at Quest and co-lead of the DiverseAbilities EBN, highlighted the importance of disability inclusion in fostering a culture of inclusivity and enhancing company performance. Having experienced a debilitating spine injury himself, Reiser understands firsthand the significance of accessibility and awareness in meeting the needs of employees and customers.
The Disability Equality Index, launched in 2015, serves as a comprehensive assessment tool for businesses to enhance disability inclusion practices. By measuring various criteria such as Culture & Leadership, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity, the index aims to drive positive change in the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities.
Quest Diagnostics‘ commitment to disability inclusion is further exemplified by its dedication to creating a healthier world through diagnostic insights and laboratory testing. With a vast database of clinical lab results, Quest empowers individuals, physicians, and organizations to improve health outcomes and inspire healthy behaviors.
In conclusion, Quest Diagnostics‘ recognition as a ‚Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion‘ for the seventh consecutive year underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. Through initiatives like the DiverseAbilities EBN and a focus on creating a culture of belonging, Quest continues to lead by example in promoting disability inclusion and driving positive change in the healthcare ecosystem.