For the second consecutive year, The Hershey Company has achieved a 100% score on the 2024 Disability
Disability Equality Index. This recognition, awarded by The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), also names Hershey as a Best Place to Work.
“At Hershey, we believe that combining the concepts of belonging and business success is a powerful formula,” said Jason Reiman, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and executive sponsor of The Hershey Company’s Abilities First Business Resource Group (BRG). “Our consistent recognition by Disability
highlights our dedication to creating a workplace where every employee is supported and empowered to thrive. It also acknowledges the solid foundation we have built to drive even greater impact across our business and the communities we serve. However, we recognize that there is still work to be done to ensure every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual can succeed.”
Established in 2015, Disability
’s benchmark is the most comprehensive tool for disability inclusion in business. It aims to positively impact the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities by helping businesses create inclusive workplaces. Hershey’s continued efforts to create positive change through its business initiatives contributed to its score this year, including:
- Recruitment and Employment Practices: Ensuring inclusive hiring processes that include people with disabilities.
- Supplier Diversity: Including disability-owned businesses in procurement policies and providing training for employees making purchasing decisions.
- Commitment from the Top: Hershey President and CEO Michele Buck signed Disability’s CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion in 2023, committing to benchmarking the company’s disability inclusion journey.
- Talent Development: Enhancing internal practices and policies to support all talent, including people with disabilities.
- Training and Resources: Providing extensive resources and training for managers on disability etiquette, language, accommodations, and unconscious bias.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like Susquehanna Service Dogs to foster an inclusive culture both within and outside the company.
“The Hershey Company’s consecutive top scores continue to showcase the company’s commitment to people and its understanding that we are stronger when we bring different perspectives and backgrounds together to create change,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability
. “They serve as a true model for how companies can create inclusive workplaces that not only support employees with disabilities but also harness their unique talents to drive tangible business success.”
