2007 Sustainability Report - Baxter Sustainability Report

Global InclusionSustainability PriorityBaxter will promotea diverse andinclusive workplaceSee page 5 for a summary ofBaxter's sustainability prioritiesAn inclusive organization ensures that company policies, programs, processes and systemssupport a culture of respect and enable all employees to work together effectively. Anorganization can have a diverse employee population (for example, in terms of age, gender,sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion) and yet not be inclusive.Baxter believes that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce can drive innovation;create trusted partnerships with customers, suppliers and community partners; and ultimately,contribute to the success and sustainability of the business.This belief forms the foundation of Baxter’s global inclusion strategy, which is directly linkedto one of the company’s shared values articulated in the Baxter Leadership Expectations—respect for individuals and the diverse contributions of all.Baxter’s global inclusion strategy focuses on four key areas:› Workforce—building a globally diverse organization;› Workplace—creating an inclusive culture in which diversity is valued;› Communities—building partnerships with community-based organizations thatembrace, support and develop diverse talent; and› Marketplace—promoting Baxter’s commitment to inclusion through its employmentbrand and supplier partnerships.Global Inclusion CouncilIn 2008, Baxter established a Global Inclusion Council that provides thought leadership,guidance and support to enhance Baxter’s inclusive culture. Composed of leaders from thecompany’s businesses, regions and functions around the world, the Council’s charter is to:› Promote and advocate Baxter’s inclusion philosophy and initiatives;› Identify issues and barriers in the workplace that could impact an inclusive culture;› Recommend new ideas or initiatives to accelerate an inclusive culture;› Identify opportunities to leverage existing initiatives across the company; and› Ensure inclusion initiatives align with Baxter’s business priorities.above (left to right) Joseph Berko,Rebecca Molanick and Guillermo Carrillowork at Baxter’s vaccines facility inBeltsville, Maryland, United States, wherethe company produces vaccines forbacterial infections such asmeningococcal C meningitis.Fair Opportunity for All EmployeesBaxter is committed to fair opportunity for all employees, and recognizes that everyindividual's unique background and experiences contribute to a successful organization.Discrimination in hiring, promotion and all other employment decisions on the basis ofrace, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran statusor any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws is prohibited. Baxter's globaloperations comply with applicable laws and company business standards around the world.If an employee has an issue, he or she is encouraged to raise it through one of the channelsas fully outlined in the company’s Prohibition of Workplace Harassment Policy.The tables on the next page illustrate Baxter's ethnic and gender diversity at various levelsin the company.Supplier DiversityBaxter works to develop mutually beneficial relationships with small and diverse suppliers,embracing their importance in many communities. The company plans to continue increasingthe diversity of its supplier base to reflect the demographics of Baxter's customers globally.See Supplier Diversity on page 28 for more information.12 BAXTER 2007 sustainability report | EMPLoyees