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2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARYTABLE OF CONTENTSWELCOME. 2Letter from Our President and CEO. 3Sustainability Highlights. 4About Abbott. 5SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW. 6WELCOMEENVIRONMENT.14Energy and Emissions.14Protecting Water Resources.15Producer Responsibility.16Waste.16Product Packaging. 17 Our 2030 Sustainability Plan. 6ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY. 8Pricing. 8Product Innovation. 8Partnerships. 9 DATA AND DATA PRIVACY. 10Cybersecurity Governance. 10Our Approach to Cybersecurity. 10OUR PEOPLE.11SUPPLY CHAIN.18Supplier Risk Assessment and Engagement.18Safeguarding Business Continuity.19Strategic Supply Chain Initiatives.19DELIVERING QUALITY AND SAFETY . 20ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE. 22SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING.23Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.11Talent Development.12Employee Community Engagement.12Employee Health, Safety and Wellness.13At Abbott, sustainability means shaping the futureof healthcare and helping more people live betterand healthier lives.Through the years, our approach to sustainabilityreporting has evolved to meet the needs of a widerange of stakeholders, in line with our growingbusiness and the changing environment in which weoperate. Our reporting is now shaped by our 2030Sustainability Plan: a 10-year strategy designed to helpbuild a better, more resilient world through accessibleand affordable technologies and innovations.This Report Summary is designed to provide ahigh-level overview of our performance in our keyfocus areas.For more detailed information about our materialityprocess, policies, management approach, performanceand targets for all our environmental, social andgovernance (ESG) priorities, please see our fullGlobal Sustainability Report.COVER STORYWhen she was in high school, LaMiah Tysinger developed an interest in engineering and set hermind to learning all she could about a potential STEM (science, technology, engineering andmath) career. She joined Abbott as a high school STEM program intern, the first in a seriesof Abbott internships that saw her through university and a bachelor’s degree in industrialengineering. Today, LaMiah is a full-time Abbott employee, working as an enterprise excellencetrainer, teaching new employees to efficiently and reliably manufacture Abbott’s rapid test cards.NOTES FOR THIS REPORT All financial information is stated in U.S. dollars. All data reflects Abbott’s activities, with a focuson 2020 results. This report does not contain performanceinformation about our joint ventures, unlessotherwise noted. The Abbott Fund is an Illinois not-for-profitphilanthropic foundation established by Abbottin 1951.We welcome feedback on this summary aswell as our full Global Sustainability Report.Please email us at responsibility@abbott.com.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY3WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGLETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEODear Abbott stakeholder,Sustainability is the fundamental challenge of ourtime. And it grows continually more pressing, asthe last year has demonstrated in so many ways.This is exactly the kind of challenge Abbott isbuilt to address. Because thinking and acting forsustainability is inherent to our culture. And it’s anatural extension of our purpose—helping peoplelive healthier, fuller lives. We pursue this missionvery deliberately through our business strategiesand processes. Abbott always takes the longview. We’ve succeeded for more than 130 yearsbecause we work at it. And we bring that sameorientation—purpose-driven and achievementfocused—to our efforts to sustain not just ourcompany, but our communities and the worldaround us.Now well into the second year of the COVID-19pandemic, Abbott has been a significantcontributor to the world’s progress against thedisease, through the 12 different tests we’vedeveloped to identify the virus and help peoplelive with greater safety and confidence. But wewant to do much better than the old “normal.”We’re setting our sights higher, aiming to doour part in helping society make real progressin meeting its most urgent needs and building abetter, more resilient world for the century ahead.This is made very clear by our 2030 SustainabilityPlan. We conducted an exhaustive process,involving colleagues from across all parts of thecompany and around the world, to understandAbbott’s strengths and weaknesses, challengesand opportunities to create a 10-year plan thatbrings the company’s commitment to a new level.As this Report Summary and our full GlobalSustainability Report demonstrate, Abbottremains a conscientious and effective contributoracross the broad range of ESG priorities. We’vemade continual progress in reducing ourenvironmental footprint, and we’ll keep movingtoward ever more ambitious improvementtargets. Similarly, you’ll see the innovative andcommitted ways in which we’ve supportedcommunities around the world—anotherlong tradition for our company and one we’lladvance further over the decade to come. Weare passionately committed to advancing racialequity, as is explored thoroughly in our 2020Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report.But the emphasis of our 2030 Plan is on thepriority where we can make the greatest impactand do the most good for the most people: infocusing our future innovation on creatingproducts that are affordable and accessible tomore people than ever before. Using our primaryexpertise to help the world achieve greater totalhealth at lower total cost is the most meaningfulway we can contribute to the long-termsustainability of our society and our planet—helping more people than ever before live theirbest, healthiest and fullest lives.Sincerely,Robert B. FordPresident and Chief Executive Officer
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY4WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTING 76Mtotal charitablecontributions in 2020.70% REDUCTIONin total volume vs. earlier sensors means our FreeStyle Libre 3 leavesa much smaller environmental footprint.Product not yet available in the U.S.SUSTAINABILITYHIGHLIGHTSWe’re upholding ourresponsibilities to people and theplanet while setting the stage forour long-term success.“Sustainability isn’t a new concept for Abbott.We’ve been here for 130 years doing what we do.At the highest level, that’s the ultimate proof pointfor our strong, sustainable approach.”Scott LeinenweberVice President, Investor Relations, Licensing and AcquisitionsCO₂51%REDUCTIONin CO2e emissions since 2010. 2.34B SPENTwith diverse suppliers in 2020.58% FEMALE73% FROM UNDER-REPRESENTEDGROUPSDiversity in our 2020 STEM internship program participants.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY5WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGABOUT ABBOTTAbbott is a global company witha straightforward purpose: to help peoplelive healthier, fuller lives through our lifechanging technologies and products.Our BusinessOur portfolio spans the spectrum of healthcareacross four businesses: Our nutrition products build and maintainhealth at every stage of life. Our diagnostic solutions provide theinformation to guide effective treatmentdecisions. Our medicines help people get and stay healthy. Our medical devices use the most advancedtechnologies to keep hearts and arteries healthy,treat chronic pain and movement disorders, andrevolutionize glucose monitoring, giving peoplewith diabetes more freedom.Our ValuesIn each of our four core businesses, we anticipateand innovate to address developing health needs,aligning our organization around a cohesive setof values that defines how we work and serveour stakeholders.PIONEERINGWe see needs first and deliver game-changingsolutions. We create new technologies andproducts to help people live fuller lives throughbetter health, and we bring that same spirit ofinnovation to everything we do.ACHIEVINGWe focus relentlessly on delivering for ourstakeholders. Millions of people around theworld depend on us in vital ways. We’recommitted to honoring that trust.CARINGWe treat the people who depend on us as if theywere our family. Dr. Abbott began our companyto provide better care to his own patients, andthat spirit still guides us.ENDURINGWe know that everything we do today shouldcontribute to a stronger tomorrow. Because ourwork is so important to so many, it’s up to us toensure that this company keeps thriving. Wethink and act for the long term. We intend to behere for the long haul, bringing all the benefitsthat Abbott creates to everyone who needs them. 34.6BSALES WORLDWIDE109,000EMPLOYEESWORLDWIDESustainability GovernanceTo manage our ESG impacts, and maximizeefficiency, our commitment to sustainablebusiness is integrated throughout the company: Our Board of Directors and seniormanagement oversee our sustainabilityactivities, and the Board’s Public PolicyCommittee evaluates our policies and practicesregarding corporate responsibility. Our Global Citizenship Advisory Council,a group of independent expert advisors andthought leaders, provides guidance on strategicsustainability issues, risks and opportunities. Abbott’s Global Sustainability teamimplements our sustainability strategy, workingwith colleagues, key functional areas andglobal affiliates. 2.4BR&D INVESTMENTSERVE PEOPLE IN160 COUNTRIES The Global Operations Council overseesexecution of the sustainability strategy forall our operations to continuously improveAbbott’s performance. Our Sustainability Working Group leadsthe integration of sustainability within ourbusiness and oversees Abbott’s reporting ofESG performance. Several global affiliates have local, crossfunctional sustainability working groupsto embed responsible business practices anddrive stakeholder engagement.To learn more about our governancearrangements, please see our GlobalSustainability Report.
OUR 2030 SUSTAINABILITY PLANA sustainable future starts with health.It’s the foundation for all we can do in life—as individuals, families and communities. It helpssocieties thrive and fuels successful economies.partnership with others to break down barriers and bringour health innovations to an increasing number of people.2030 Priorities and TargetsAt Abbott, sustainability means managing our company todeliver long-term impact for the people we serve—shapingthe future of healthcare and helping the greatest possiblenumber of people live better and healthier.We believe that today’s healthcare challenges cannotbe solved by cutting-edge innovation alone. We need tomake the best solutions available to the most people,as summarized in the priorities and targets of ourSustainability Plan on this page and the next.Our 2030 Sustainability Plan is focused on designingaccess and affordability into our life-changing technologiesand products, working across our business and inWhile our focus on innovation, access and affordabilityis central to our plan, we will also take targeted action inkey areas. Beyond these target areas, we will continue to2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY6build a more sustainable business through all the actionswe take, every day—ensuring product quality and safety,acting ethically and supporting human rights, advancingtransparency and engaging our many stakeholders aroundthe world.Our work will touch the lives of 2 billion peoplethis year and, by 2030, we intend to reach morethan 3 billion per year, improving the lives of1 in every 3 people on the planet by 2030.INNOVATE FOR ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITYMake access and affordability core to newproduct innovationTransform care for chronic disease, malnutritionand infectious diseases Integrate access, affordability and data insights as designprinciples into our R&D work and portfolio. Support global efforts to address noncommunicablediseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.--Innovate to transform the standard of care for diabetesand support efforts to bend the diabetes curve throughinnovative technology, prevention and education, earlydiagnosis, treatment and nutrition.Deliver breakthrough technologies, improve clinicaloutcomes and impact the lives of people with or at riskof cardiovascular disease. Deliver scalable, integrated solutions to help reducepreventable deaths and infectious diseases (malaria,hepatitis B/C, HIV, COVID-19 and others) withdiagnostics, treatment and education programs,especially in high-prevalence areas.Advance health equity through partnerships Expand affordable access to healthcare for underserved,diverse and at-risk communities, including women andchildren, by delivering innovative, decentralized models ofcare that advance prevention and early diagnosis, improvenutrition, provide quality treatment and care, and lowertotal costs. Partner with stakeholders to improve health outcomesby advancing standards and building access to affordable,integrated solutions.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY7OUR PEOPLEDATA AND DATA PRIVACYENVIRONMENTBuild the diverse, innovative workforceof tomorrowResponsibly connect data, technology and careProtect a healthy environment Be a trusted healthcare leader in secure and responsibledata collection, use, management and privacy, in orderto protect our patients and customers, empower them tomake better, more complete decisions about their health,and drive innovation through insights and analytics. Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30%from 2018 baseline by the end of 2030, consistent withthe objectives of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Provide 1 million development and job opportunities forcurrent and future employees. Create opportunities in Abbott’s STEM programs andinternships for more than 100,000 young people,including 50% from under-represented groups. Continue to drive diversity and inclusion strategies thatcreate a meaningful employee experience and advanceAbbott’s culture to:SUPPLY CHAIN-Achieve gender balance across our global managementteam with at least 45% female representation.Create a resilient, diverse and responsiblesupply chain-Achieve gender balance in STEM roles with at least45% female representation.-Ensure one-third of our leadership roles are held bypeople from under-represented groups by 2025. Certify that 80% of newly contracted direct materialspends are linked to contracts that incorporate socialresponsibility requirements.-Continue to drive 100% leadership accountability bytying executive compensation to diversity outcomes. Anticipate Abbott’s future workforce needs and achievetalent readiness. Maintain or improve rates of internal succession forleadership roles. Fill 50% of targeted new jobs with internal talent byupskilling, cross-skilling and creating learning opportunities. Continue to provide industry-leading programs that helppeople achieve their personal health and well-being. Support financial security of employees by helping thosewith college debt to save for retirement, expandingAbbott’s Freedom 2 Save program by providing 10 million inmatching contributions to participant retirement accounts. Ensure ethical sourcing from all suppliers with high-risksustainability factors through 100% auditing. Ensure an inclusive environment by increasing spendingwith diverse and small businesses by 50% by 2030, andBlack- and women-owned businesses by 150% by 2025,from a 2020 baseline. Work with our key carbon-intensive suppliers toimplement sustainable programs to reduce our Scope3 carbon emissions. (Quantitative Scope 3 target isforthcoming.) Achieve water stewardship certification at all high-waterimpact manufacturing sites in water-stressed areas. Implement accredited water stewardship managementpractices in more than 75% of all manufacturing sitesoperating in water-stressed areas. Work with 50 key suppliers in high-water-stressed areasto reduce water quality and quantity risks to Abbott andthe community. Address 50 million pounds of packaging through highimpact sustainable design programs that:-Employ circularity principles through smart design andmaterial selection.-Eliminate and reduce materials.-Improve the energy efficiency of Abbott’s products.-Optimize packaging, pallet and truckload efficiency. Reduce waste impacts using a circular economy approachto achieve and maintain at least a 90% waste diversion rate. Engage with key suppliers to reduce the environmentalimpact of materials sent to Abbott that become wastein our operations, and develop and track supplier wastediversion initiatives.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY8WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGACCESS AND AFFORDABILITYWe’ve redoubled our commitment to helpmore people live fuller lives throughbetter health.OUR 2030SUSTAINABILITYGOALSMakeACCESS ANDAFFORDABILITYcore to new product innovationTRANSFORMCAREfor chronic disease, malnutritionand infectious diseasesAdvanceHEALTH EQUITYthrough partnershipTo reach the most people, we’re intentionallydesigning access and affordability into ourlife-changing technologies and products. Wealso work with others—through programs andpartnerships—to break down barriers thatprevent people from getting the care they need.PricingAbbott has an intentional focus on making ourproducts widely available, at affordable prices.We also advocate for systems and approaches thatbroaden access while minimizing additional costsfor consumers and payers. In 2020, our productpricing reflected this approach. Our annual globalnet sales price reduced by 0.4%, while the GlobalConsumer Price Index rose by 1.7%.Our medicines business, which focuses solely onemerging markets, provides an excellent exampleof how we manage our approach to increasingaccess. While incomes rise globally, we know thatpeople often pay out of pocket for healthcare,making it all the more important that they be ableto access quality care that’s affordable.In each country, we use local insights to focus ourinnovation—making good medicines better anddeveloping new technology and services to helppeople better manage their health.Product InnovationWe work to consistently deliver market-leadingproducts, services and solutions that addresshealth needs while effectively managing theproduct life cycle.To support this, our businesses incorporateaccess and affordability without compromisingquality. This approach has helped create some ofour most successful products, including FreeStyleLibre , the world’s most-used glucose-monitoringsystem, and our BinaxNOW COVID-19 test.In our rapid diagnostics business, we’re bringingtesting closer to the patient, even in the mostremote locations. Importantly, many of ourtests are used at the point of care and provideanswers while the patient is still present,accelerating treatment decisions and reducinglife-threatening delays.In neuromodulation, we’re increasing accessto care with our NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic,a technology that lets doctors interact remotelywith our devices to refine treatments for chronicpain or movement disorders in real time, givingpatients relief in minutes without the needfor an office visit.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY9WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGPartnershipsWe work with the people and communitieswe serve, partners, governments and otherstakeholders to address health disparities, expandaccess and remove barriers that prevent peoplefrom living healthy lives.Managing Diseases With Blood TransfusionsBlood and plasma are needed more than ever,yet the number of young donors is declining.In response, we launched BE THE 1 . Throughthis communication platform, we work withmajor Red Cross institutions and local donorassociations to help our customers inspireyoung people to donate. Since its launch in2016, more than 100 blood and plasma centershave embraced the campaign, resulting in anincrease in blood donations of up to 37% insome countries.Preparing for Future Pandemic ThreatsIn 2021, we launched a new public healthpartnership to detect and respond to futurepandemic threats. The Abbott PandemicDefense Coalition will connect global centersof excellence in laboratory testing, geneticsequencing and public health research. Our goalis to identify new pathogens, analyze risk levels,rapidly develop and deploy diagnostic testing,and assess the impact for new viral threats inreal time.Combating MalnutritionMalnutrition affects one in three people aroundthe world. With our science-based expertisein nutrition, we’re well positioned to addressmalnutrition at the systems level. This year,we launched the Abbott Malnutrition SolutionCenter. This internal, cross-functional innovationhub will help identify, treat and preventmalnutrition among vulnerable populations.Health Equity Through PartnershipsWe strive to make a positive social impact byhelping people live longer and better. We identifyand invest in life-changing innovations, designbusiness models to meet emerging healthcareneeds and address social challenges through ourscientific and technical expertise. To read about our work with the Tanzaniangovernment over the last 20 years and our effortsto establish ‘‘health posts’’ in Rwanda, see ourGlobal Sustainability Report.Breaking Down Barriers,Advancing Health EquityOften driven by long-standing issueslike poverty, structural racism, andaccess to healthcare, education andopportunity, disparities in health havebeen amplified by COVID-19. We’vemade equitable care a key principleof our community partnerships, withtargeted programs that remove barriersto achieving good health: Abbott made a 5 million, threeyear commitment to the AmericanDiabetes Association’s HealthEquity Now platform, particularlysupporting underserved communitiesof color. The Abbott Fund sponsors theEasterseals Black Child Fund,which seeks to speed up diagnosisand treatment for Black children withautism and other disabilities. Abbott and the Abbott Fund’s FutureWell Communities program fightsdiabetes by addressing the socialdeterminants of health.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY10WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGDATA AND DATA PRIVACYWe want Abbott to be a trusted healthcareleader in secure and responsible datacollection, use, management and privacy.Connected medical devices, products, diagnosticplatforms and systems are transforming modernmedicine. Our data technologies help people andtheir doctors to make faster and more informeddecisions about their health in ways that fit easilyinto their lives.We develop our products, processes and systemsin a secure manner that ensures the safety ofpatients and their data.We comply with local regulations for reportingand notifying security breaches involvingcustomers’ personal information in all locationswhere we operate, and regularly evaluate ourapproach. Our current Privacy Policy can befound on our website.OUR 2030SUSTAINABILITYGOALSResponsiblyCONNECT DATA,TECHNOLOGYAND CARECybersecurity GovernanceOur Approach to CybersecurityThe Global Privacy Office, part of our Office ofEthics and Compliance, is overseen by the ChiefEthics and Compliance Officer and the DivisionalVice President for Global Privacy.Our approach is designed to protect Abbottproducts and data through:We have standards, processes and trainingthat ensures all employees understand theimportance of protecting sensitive data andpersonal information. We also have dedicatedprivacy professionals within the Global PrivacyOffice and privacy champions around theworld who help identify and address dataprivacy matters. Abbott’s Chief Information Officer has overallresponsibility for ensuring a holistic approachto cybersecurity. Our Oversight Committee provides seniormanagement oversight of our cybersecurityand privacy programs, and advises on ourcybersecurity and privacy strategies. Our Cybersecurity and Privacy SteeringCommittee provides ongoing support forthese projects across our businesses. Cybersecurity-embedded design, with reviewsof new products and updated systems. Cybersecurity training for all new hiresand contractors. Constant threat and risk analysis, informedby information-sharing agreements withhealthcare and cybersecurity specialists. Security testing by internal and external expertsto ensure our devices, products and systemsmeet or exceed current cybersecurity standards. Partnerships with peers, trade associations,security experts, academic institutions andresearchers to assess trends, share threatinformation and establish standards thatprotect patients and maintain trust in thehealthcare system.Recognizing the continuous evolution oftechnology and the threats associated with thattechnology, we constantly evaluate and adapt oursecurity tools and processes. Our Cybersecurityand Quality organizations incorporatecybersecurity throughout the product life cycleand in the integrity of our quality data systems. More detailed data and performancecommentary about data privacy and cybersecuritycan be found in our Global Sustainability Report.
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY11WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGOUR PEOPLEWe’re shaping our organization for thefuture—prioritizing diversity and inclusion,advancing STEM education and internships,and empowering our teams with the skillsthey’ll need to meet the health needsof tomorrow.Our business depends on attracting, engagingand developing talented people who share ourcommitment to the work that we do, our visionand our values.Our Employee NetworksWE SCORED95%ON THE HUMAN RIGHTSCAMPAIGN’S 2021CORPORATE EQUALITYINDEX.OUR 2030SUSTAINABILITYGOALSBuild theDIVERSE,INNOVATIVEWORKFORCEof tomorrowAs part of this commitment, we created a newDivisional Vice President of Diversity & Inclusionrole, with responsibility for developing DEIstrategies. We also launched an online FosteringDiversity & Inclusion course to drive engagementacross all employees, and published our firstDEI Report. Asian Leadership and CulturalNetwork (ALCN) Black Business Network (BBN) disABILITY Network Flex Network (employees withpart-time and flexible schedules)Diversity, Equity and InclusionAbbott is committed to developing a workplacethat is inclusive for all, regardless of race, gender,age, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a part ofwho we are, how we lead and what we believe in. Advancing Professionals Network(APN)Our 10 employee networks play a vital rolein helping us build a more inclusive culture.They increase visibility and opportunity for morethan 10,000 members from under-representedgroups, and help tackle unconscious bias.In 2020, we launched our newest group, thedisABILITY Network. LA VOICE Network (supportingHispanic and Latino employees) More detailed data and performancecommentary about DEI can be found in our DEIReport and our Global Sustainability Report. Women in STEM PRIDE (supporting LGBTQemployees) Veterans Network Women Leaders of Abbott (WLA)
2020 SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT SUMMARY12WELCOME / OVERVIEW / ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY / DATA / OUR PEOPLE / ENVIRONMENT / SUPPLY CHAIN / QUALITY AND SAFETY / ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE / REPORTINGTalent DevelopmentEmployee Community EngagementOur global talent management processis designed to identify and nurturehigh-potential people. 76M totalsocial investment(cash contributions,in-kind giving, employeevolunteering).We offer mentoring, skills assessments,performance appraisals and career pathing,and provide job-specific training as well asbroader leadership training opportunities.We place a strong emphasis on successionand talent planning, and on ensuring diversityand inclusion through this process. The Boardannually reviews critical positions, successionplans and development actions, ensuring thatcurrent and future leaders are building theskills needed for success.Recruitment and RetentionAbbott is committed to building a diversetalent pipeline that can meet the needs of ourbusinesses, by developing internal talent andrecruiting top talent.We also partner with academic institutions andprofessional associations to find the best recruits,and provide opportunities for talented collegestudents through a global internship program.In 2020, 63% of our U.S. interns became full-timeemployees. Our program was ranked as the tophealthcare internship program in the U.S.—
2020 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT SUMMARY WELCOME At Abbott, sustainability means shaping the future WELCOME of healthcare and helping more people live better and healthier lives. Through the years, our approach to sustainability reporting has evolved to meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, in line with our growing
