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Henkel's Commitment to Disability Inclusion

Henkel, the prominent manufacturer behind brands like Dial®, Schwarzkopf®, and Loctite®, has recently earned the prestigious title of a 2026 World's Top Disability Inclusive Business. This accolade, awarded for the company's performance on the Disability Index®, emphasizes Henkel's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

The Disability Index®, developed by DisabilityIN, is recognized as the leading global benchmark for evaluating corporate disability inclusion. It serves as a structured tool that evaluates companies on various aspects of disability inclusion, allowing for consistent comparisons across industries. Henkel's strong score on this index highlights its proactive approach to ensuring that employees with disabilities receive the necessary support and accommodations.

Henkel's efforts are not merely administrative but are actively championed by its employees through initiatives led by the Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) Employee Resource Group. This passionate group of volunteers works tirelessly to raise awareness of disability inclusion within the company, providing essential resources and support to their colleagues. Recent initiatives led by AVID include offering sign language resources, facilitating educational materials, and creating opportunities for dialogues around disability awareness.

Particularly noteworthy is Henkel's partnership with its IT department, which has resulted in sessions dedicated to enhancing digital accessibility. These sessions focus on shedding light on tools designed to support diverse audio and visual needs, creating a more inclusive environment for employees.

Robert McNamee, the Chief Legal Officer of Henkel North America and Executive Sponsor of the AVID group, expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "We are honored to receive this recognition as it reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee can thrive." He emphasized the importance of AVID members in driving this mission, stating that their efforts not only promote accessibility but also foster connections and empathy across Henkel's workforce.

The significance of the Disability Index® is further underscored by its utilization among key industry players, with over 70% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly half of Fortune 500 firms relying on it to assess and improve their disability inclusion practices. As organizations aim to provide equitable environments for their employees, Henkel’s exemplary performance on this index is an inspiring model.

With Jill Houghton, President and CEO of DisabilityIN, noting that leading firms are embedding disability inclusion into their core operational philosophies, Henkel stands out as an example of how such practices can drive innovation and resilience within an organization. Companies dedicated to these initiatives will not only enhance their workplace culture but also shape products and services to better meet the needs of a diverse consumer base.

Henkel’s recognition as a 2026 World's Top Disability Inclusive Business is a testament to the company's proactive steps toward inclusivity, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to creating a supportive environment where all employees can contribute and thrive. As they continue on this journey, Henkel is setting a powerful precedent for others in the industry and beyond, illustrating the importance of inclusivity in today’s corporate landscape.

In conclusion, this recognition serves not only as a badge of honor for Henkel but also as a call to action for other organizations to evaluate and enhance their own practices regarding disability inclusion. The work is ongoing, and with initiatives like AVID leading the charge, there is hope and determination that more companies will follow suit in making their workplaces accessible and accommodating for everyone.