Fostering Innovation Through Inclusion and Diversity

BY E.J. HENRY

INNOVATION, AT ITS CORE, is only successful when supported by breakthrough ideas. But how can companies cultivate innovation? With no shortage of challenges spurred by the pandemic and uncertainties about what is to come, the answer lies—perhaps now more than ever—with our people.

“As the US Head of Inclusion and Diversity at AstraZeneca, I am extremely excited and energized about the progress of our inclusion and diversity strategy, our contribution to the enterprise, health equity initiatives and our racial equity ambitions.” — E.J. Henry

At AstraZeneca we believe innovation is powered by an inclusive culture, one that is strengthened by the unique perspectives of people from across the world, including Delaware. This inclusivity and diversity fuels innovation, allowing us to push the boundaries of science and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

Disease does not discriminate. Patients come from all walks of life, and to best serve them, our employees need to be just as diverse. By embedding inclusive and ethical behaviors into our company, we strive to create an environment in which our differences are recognized, we feel safe and empowered, and our uniqueness is valued and celebrated. After all, our shared creativity unlocks challenges and brings new solutions. It fosters continuous innovation, constant learning, and propels our growth.

Case in point: People from all backgrounds came together for a single cause—to slow the progression of COVID-19. As a result, AstraZeneca worked together in an effort to help in the fight against the pandemic. Without inclusion and diversity, this solution may have gone unfounded.

To demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive culture and diverse workforce, our strategy focuses on three priority areas: empowering inclusive leadership, fostering a culture where people speak their minds, and building and sustaining a diverse talent pipeline.

This shows up in various ways at work, including an educational and interactive series promoting cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership capabilities; an annual Power of Diversity week that explores inclusion and diversity (I&D) in the workplace; and sound practices and policies on recruitment and selection to ensure a diverse talent pipeline.

In Newark and Wilmington, Delaware and across the U.S., we have numerous employee business resource groups (BRGs) that strategize around I&D topics. These groups actively support local organizations that strive for equity and inclusion in our communities, including AIDS Delaware and their AIDS walk.

The success of our business, and the communities in which we operate, are reliant on I&D being more than an idea, but a way of working. Not only does progress in this space drive meaningful change and eradicate inequities in the workplace and beyond but it is also the key ingredient to spark breakthrough ideas. If innovation is the goal, inclusion and diversity answers the question of ‘how?’.

E.J. Henry is the U.S. head of inclusion and diversity at AstraZeneca.