Avantor, a Radnor Fortune 500 company, was eager to increase its inclusivity practices and create a safe workplace for its employees.
So in 2020, the company created the Pride Network, writes Lisa Dukart for Philadelphia Business Journal.
Today, nearly 10 percent of its 14,500 global employees have joined the Network and given Avantor a perfect score in the 2023-24 Human Rights Campaign’s Equality 100 index.
Avantor has updated its benefits to include gender affirming care. It has a gender-neutral dress code and restroom policy, and it formally adopted a code of ethics that includes language against discrimination.
Starting in 2020, the company created three employee-centric groups offering associate feedback—one for Black, one for LGBTQ+ and one for women employees.
Avantor is active with the Chester County Pride Festival and The Trevor Project. Locally, it distributes hygiene kits for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing housing insecurity
Events like drag bingo, trivia and scavenger events are also Pride Network components.
“Without a doubt the most impactful programs have been the ones that have allowed our allies to experience vulnerability by listening to the lived experiences and stories of others,” said Christina Heston, a senior program manager and inaugural lead of the Pride Network.
Read more about Avantor’s Pride Network successes in Philadelphia Business Journal.
