Takeda, Roche Diagnostics, BMS and Gilead earn LGBTQ+ inclusion recognition

Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia has secured Bronze status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion delivered by Pride in Diversity, a program of ACON.

In this year’s results, Roche Diagnostics Australia also secured Bronze status, while Bristol Myers Squibb (MBS) and Gilead Sciences were recognised in the Silver tier, highlighting continued sector-wide progress on inclusion standards.

Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, said “Data consistently shows that inclusion practices and measures build workplaces where all Australians can belong, contributing to positive organisational culture, staff engagement, and broader societal wellbeing.”

For Takeda, this year’s participation in the AWEI marks its first formal benchmarking submission, establishing an initial baseline aligned to national standards and signalling a structured approach to embedding inclusion across the organisation.

“What this recognition really represents is the work behind it,” said Jennifer Jones, Head of Human Resources, Takeda Oceania.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful,” said Dave Pearce, General Manager Oceania, Takeda. “It reflects the sustained effort of our local teams to build inclusive practices in a deliberate and consistent way.”

That work has been driven locally through a series of initiatives, including an employee-formed DE&I Council, a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan launched in 2024, and Inclusivity Guidelines designed to support accessible, person-first and gender-inclusive language across patient and consumer materials. The guidelines were developed in consultation with ACON, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, People with Disability Australia and the Sydney Health Literacy Lab, reflecting a multi-stakeholder effort to strengthen both employee experience and patient-facing communication.

“Over the past two years, our leaders and DE&I Council have focused on strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion by listening, learning and making meaningful, lasting changes,” explained Jones. “What matters most is that this is felt in people’s experience at work. We’re proud of this milestone and committed to keep learning and continuing to strengthen inclusion across our organisation.”

“Stronger inclusion strengthens our business and improves outcomes for patients. When our people feel supported and able to contribute fully, we bring broader perspectives and make better decisions that support improved outcomes,” Pearce added.

Takeda Oceania will formally acknowledge the recognition during Pride Month in June, with an employee event led by its DE&I Council.

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