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Roche and Novartis Scale Back Diversity Initiatives Amid US Policy Changes
Roche Abandons Global Diversity Targets
Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche has announced that it is abandoning its global diversity workforce targets. The move comes in response to evolving U.S. laws and policies, which could impose penalties on companies maintaining certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
As part of these changes, Roche stated that its Chief Diversity Offices in both the U.S. and its headquarters in Basel will now focus on “inclusion and belonging,” with diversity being omitted from their new remit. A memo to global staff emphasized that these changes were necessary to ensure the company could continue to deliver medicines and diagnostic solutions.
Novartis Ends Use of Diverse Hiring Panels
Similarly, Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis has announced it will no longer use diverse hiring panels for U.S. recruitment. The company cited evolving legal requirements as the reason for this shift while reiterating its commitment to fostering equal opportunities and embracing varied perspectives.
Wider Corporate Shift Away from DEI
Roche and Novartis are among a growing number of companies scaling back DEI programs in response to legal challenges in the U.S. This trend has gained traction since the U.S. government signaled that certain DEI practices could be deemed illegal, with potential investigations into non-compliant firms.
Other companies outside the pharmaceutical industry are also revising their DEI commitments. Swiss bank UBS recently removed references to increasing the representation of women in management roles and hiring employees from ethnic minority backgrounds from its 2024 annual report.
Impacts Beyond the United States
Roche has stated that its policy changes will extend beyond the U.S. to ensure compliance globally. The company noted that its worldwide programs and goals could have implications for its U.S. operations under the new legal framework.
Pharma Industry Divided on DEI Commitment
While Roche and Novartis are adjusting their policies, other pharmaceutical firms remain committed to DEI. British drugmaker GSK announced last month that it would no longer set diversity targets, whereas AstraZeneca and Denmark’s Novo Nordisk have affirmed their continued commitment to DEI programs.
The evolving landscape of DEI policies in the corporate world remains a subject of debate, with companies weighing compliance risks against their long-standing diversity commitments.
“Roche and Novartis Scale Back Diversity Initiatives Amid US Policy Changes” “Roche and Novartis Scale Back Diversity Initiatives Amid US Policy Changes” “Roche and Novartis Scale Back Diversity Initiatives Amid US Policy Changes”
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