McKesson recognized as one of best employers for LGBT workers, fostering healthy living

SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson has been the recipient of honors from two organizations recently — one for LGBT inclusion and another for its commitment to employee health.

 

For the third year in a row, McKesson has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of its “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” The company also scored 100% on the HRC’s 20156 Corporate equality index, which benchmarks companies’ policies and practices regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers. 

 

“McKesson’s culture is defined by our shared principles, which are anchored by respect and integrity,” McKesson CEO and chairman John Hammergren said. “We are proud of being recognized by the HRC for the third year in a row as it demonstrates our commitment to providing a healthy and positive environment for all of our employees, including our LGBT colleagues.”

 

The company credits its OPEN Employee Resource Group — its LGBT and straight ally group — with helping enhance its approach to supporting LGBT employees and their families. The group has worked with McKesson management to create an inclusive and respectful workplace, McKesson said. 

 

“Recognition from HRC’s Corporate Equality Index is important for companies like McKesson to stay competitive in the global talent market,” Ross Brigman, vice chair of OPEN National Employee Resource Group, McKesson Corporation, said. “To be taken seriously as an LGBT-inclusive company, McKesson has continued to raise and maintain high standards with regards to the HRC CEI.”

 

McKesson was also recognized Tuesday as an employer that leads in fostering healthy lifestyles among employees by the National Business Coalition on Health, which presented McKesson with its Employer Excellence Award on Tuesday at its annual conference. According to the NBC, one of the key components of its of health is its Vitality health-and-wellness program for employes, which offers health risk assessments and screenings, physical activities, educational tools and prevention efforts. 

 

“While we're in the business of better health, our commitment starts with our workforce,” McKesson’s Total Rewards SVP Jerry Warren. “We strongly believe that making investments in our people and community is not only good for business, but also benefits the communities where our employees live and work. Our health and wellness program successfully promotes the physical, mental and social well-being of our employees and their families. We have improved their health, while also creating opportunities to lower health care costs for our company, our employees and their families.”

 

Engagement in Vitality has helped create a 5% reduction in medical costs for the most highly engaged employees, and 25% to 30% of the company’s population with chronic diseases have engaged in programs in the last four years. 

 

“McKesson has an impressive history of being at the forefront of health care innovation,” Charles Smithers, NBCH CEO, said. “They are an excellent example of an employer committed to improving the healthcare delivery system and health of their employees. We applaud their efforts and congratulate them on receiving this award.”