Diversity is important to Novo Nordisk; it allows us to better understand customer needs, diabetes and haemophilia perceptions and understanding in different cultures, to attract and retain talented people, and operate more effectively in a global business environment. Diversity fosters an international mind-set that enhances innovation as well as our ability to work cross-culturally and expand into new markets. It also gives us a better understanding of the communities in which we operate.
Developing a diverse organisation at all managerial levels enables globalisation of the company, reflects our social responsibility, and ensures future business success. It is our firm belief that a diverse organisation produces better business results.
In 2009 we set a target that within five years all senior management teams must be diverse in terms of gender and nationality.
In recruitment, we select the best individual for a particular position while ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination as part of our values-based framework. Novo Nordisk uses the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a guide. People seeking employment with Novo Nordisk, or those already employed by the company, have the right not to be discriminated on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, religion, colour, race, ethnic origin or political orientation. Novo Nordisk works to ensure equal opportunities with regard to recruitment, conditions at work, remuneration, training and promotion, and termination of employment.
Achievements
Diversity in the organisation stimulates engagement and innovation. Novo Nordisk puts great emphasis on enhancing opportunities for current and future employees and creating an inclusive environment where individual differences are valued and respected.
Examples of important initiatives taken to drive diversity and inclusion within Novo Nordisk in 2011 include:
- Promoting equal opportunities and diversity is a vital part of fulfilling our commitment to social responsibility and human rights. People with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are essential for creating and maintaining the innovative capacity that is fundamental to the continued success of our company.
- Our Equal Opportunities Policy was updated and broadened its coverage from being a policy only relevant for the Danish parts of the company, to being a global Novo Nordisk policy.
- Our grievance procedure for discrimination was updated to include the Compliance Hotline.
Promoting equal opportunities and diversity is a vital part of fulfilling our commitment to social responsibility and human rights. People with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are essential for creating and maintaining the innovative capacity that is fundamental to the continuing success of our company.
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