ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today was named one of the Top 20 Employers by the journal Science. The global healthcare company ranked No. 12 overall, receiving high marks for treating employees with respect and social responsibility.
This marks the eleventh time that Abbott has been included in the journal's prestigious annual ranking. The survey is based on the views of working scientists and identifies companies with the best reputations as employers. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 17, 2014 print issue of Science.
"At Abbott, we believe that good health is the starting point for everything that is possible in life, and carrying out that mission begins with our scientists," said John Frels, Ph.D., co-Chair of Abbott's Scientific Governing Board, which oversees the company's 1,700 scientists. "Our culture attracts high performers who develop products and solutions as though they're for their own families."
Scientists at Abbott are given opportunities to advance science, technology, medicine and nutrition to create solutions that have a lasting impact and make life better around the world. In addition, a number of internal recognition efforts, including chairman's awards, president's awards and patent/inventor awards, work to highlight scientific excellence and contribution throughout the company.
The company recognizes its most distinguished scientists and engineers with induction into the prestigious Volwiler Society. Established in 1985 and named for the late Ernest H. Volwiler, Ph.D., an internationally recognized scientist and former Abbott president and chairman of the board, the society encourages professional growth and is meant to spur, recognize and showcase scientific innovation at Abbott. Each year, the Volwiler Society issues "Outstanding Research" awards to the Abbott scientists and teams who have made significant contributions to their fields.
About the 2014 Science Survey
Science's annual Top Employers Survey polled employees in the pharmaceutical and related industries to determine the 20 best employers in these industries as well as their driving characteristics. Respondents to the web-based survey were asked to rate companies based on 23 characteristics, including financial strength, easy adaptation to change, and a research-driven environment. The report was based on a total sample of 5,394 people. The vast majority of survey participants came from North America (70%), Europe (23%), and Asia/Pacific Rim (6%).
Abbott Widely Recognized as a Great Place to Work
In addition to being honored for workplace leadership by Science, FORTUNE has named Abbott as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" every year since the list's inception in 1983. The company has also been named to DiversityInc magazine's list of the top companies for diversity for eleven years and Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for fourteen consecutive years.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 69,000 people.
Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.
SOURCE Abbott