Quest Diagnostics, a prominent provider of diagnostic information services, announced its inclusion in the 2024 Disability Equality Index® Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, a recognition given by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). This marks the seventh consecutive year Quest has earned this recognition, achieving a perfect score of 100 this year, an improvement from its previous scores of 90. The Disability Equality Index® is the leading global benchmark for evaluating corporate policies and programs related to disability inclusion.
Cecilia K. McKenney, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Quest Diagnostics, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishment, emphasizing that continuous improvement is integral to their culture, especially in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace for their nearly 50,000 employees.
Quest’s commitment to disability inclusion is further reflected in its DiverseAbilities Employee Business Network (EBN), established in 2016. This network, which has grown to over 350 members, plays a key role in supporting organizations that assist people with disabilities through employee giving campaigns and community outreach. It is one of 11 EBNs at Quest, all of which are focused on education, advocacy, leadership development, community engagement, and promoting a sense of belonging.
Pete Reiser, Executive Director of Digital Product Management and co-lead of the DiverseAbilities EBN, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, noting that these efforts are crucial for both employee and customer satisfaction. Reiser, who has personal experience with disability due to a severe spine injury, underscored the need for awareness and understanding of the disabled community within the workplace.
Launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and AAPD, the Disability Equality Index is recognized as the most comprehensive tool for assessing disability inclusion in business. Now in its 10th year, the index evaluates areas such as Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, Supplier Diversity, and Responsible Procurement.