The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) for the second year in a row achieved a 100% score on the 2024 Disability:IN Disability Equality Index. As part of this score, Hershey was recognized by The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) as a Best Place to Work.
“At Hershey, we believe that bringing together the ideas of belonging and business success is a powerful combination,” said Jason Reiman, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and executive sponsor of The Hershey Company’s Abilities First Business Resource Group (BRG). “Our continued recognition by Disability:IN underscores our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee is supported and empowered to thrive and acknowledges the foundation we have created to drive even greater impact across our business and the communities we serve. At the same time, we know we have more work to do so every voice is heard, every perspective is valued and every individual can succeed.”
Disability:IN’s benchmark, established in 2015, is the most comprehensive tool for disability inclusion in business. It aims to make a positive impact on the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities by helping businesses create inclusive workplaces. Hershey’s continuous efforts to create positive change through its business initiatives that drove its score this year include:
- Recruitment and Employment Practices: Ensuring inclusive hiring processes, including people with disabilities.
- Supplier Diversity: Including disability-owned businesses in our procurement policies and training for employees making purchasing decisions.
- Commitment from the Top: Hershey President and CEO Michele Buck signed Diversity:IN’s CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion in 2023, committing to benchmarking the company’s disability inclusion journey.
- Talent Development: Enhancing internal practices and policies to support all talent, including people with disabilities.
- Training and Resources: Providing extensive resources and training for people managers on disability etiquette, language, accommodations, and unconscious bias.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like Susquehanna Service Dogs to foster an inclusive culture both within and outside the company.
“The Hershey Company’s consecutive top scores continue to showcase the company’s commitment to people and its understanding that we are stronger when we bring different perspectives and backgrounds to the table to create change,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “They serve as a true model for how companies can create inclusive workplaces that not only support employees with disabilities but also harness their unique talents to drive tangible business success.”
For more information about The Hershey Company and its commitment to disability inclusion, please visit The Hershey Company’s website.
Taken from: The Hershey Company