Improving Diversity Hiring Trends in the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sectors

Improving Diversity Hiring Trends in the Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sectors The expansion of minority group definitions to include disability status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, military status, and religious affiliation has opened new opportunities to increase diversity across a broad range of employment sectors. In the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, we are now witnessing a concerted effort to seek out and attract minority candidates for both entry-level and professional positions. A greater emphasis is now being placed on treating all workers as people first, noting the contributions they can make to life sciences and pharmaceuticals based on a combination of education, training, and life experiences. We would do well to continue the pursuit of diversity for as long as it takes to achieve a workforce that accurately reflects the general make-up of society. However, it will not come easy. The ongoing pursuit of diversity requires a continued commitment among a long list of stakeholders who are ultimately responsible for the decision making process. Gradually Making Headway Proof that life sciences and pharmaceuticals are making headway in the diversity arena can be found in the 2015 Corporate Equality Index report from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).