Improving Diversity in the Life Sciences Industry
In order for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts to continue its success, diversity and inclusion cannot be just another initiative. It must be the backbone of company policy from the top down and reflected in recruitment, retention and promotion strategies.
Aside from being the right thing to do, there is ample reason for companies to seek diversity. Numerous studies are clear: more diverse businesses are more successful. Perhaps more importantly, in such a competitive environment companies cannot thrive without drawing from the best talent on earth – no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or otherwise. MassBio is proud to take a leadership role in driving increased diversity and inclusion within the life sciences industry.
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Actions Companies Can Take to Improve D&I
While progress is being made to improve D&I, real change relies on concrete action. We believe that companies bear the responsibility for implementing intentional policies to ensure diverse workforces where all employees feel welcome and have equal opportunity to thrive and advance.
MassBio and Liftstream’s report on gender diversity in the Massachusetts life sciences contained numerous recommended actions that companies can take to improve their gender diversity. We started with those and added to it based on what we’ve learned since to create a condensed set of actions that companies can take, starting today, to create lasting change.
MassBio Policies on Diversity, Inclusion & Harassment
Ensuring Diversity at Events
MassBio is committed to diversity at all our programs, forums, and conferences, and we firmly believe that the diversity of our society and industry must be reflected in our speakers and audience. To ensure this is not simply talk, but action, we have released a policy to ban all-male panels at our events and to encourage those conferences we participate in to do the same. Download the policy and adopt it as your own.
Preventing Harassment at Industry Events
MassBio's anti-harassment policy applies to all MassBio events as well as any events that are hosted at MassBio’s facilities. The policy supports MassBio’s commitment to diversity & inclusion and is an effort to ensure everyone feels welcome to participate and attend events in the life sciences industry. Download the policy and adopt it as your own.
Diversity Stories
We believe an important part of improving diversity & inclusion is sharing stories of success. Not only do they serve as examples to other companies who hope to mimic or adapt already-tested approaches, but they also show the range of efforts to improve diversity - from longstanding company policies to informal ways of managing and hiring talent. Achieving diversity & inclusion is possible and these stories are proof. Read the stories now and share your own.
Resources
There are so many great programs and organizations that support diversity initiatives already in existence in Massachusetts and around the country. We have highlighted a select group we believe are doing great things in the life sciences and beyond. Check them out.