One of Ireland’s largest multinationals healthcare company Abbott has published its first citizenship report, which shows that employees here volunteered 9,000 hours in their local communities last year.
With 14 facilities in seven countries, Abbott employs nearly 4,000 people and has invested around €500m in its operations in Ireland since 2005. Last year, Abbott spent more than €450m in Ireland on payroll, services and materials.
Katherine Pickus, divisional vice president, global citizenship and policy at Abbott launched the report, havingtravelled to Ireland for the kick-off of National Corporate Responsibility Week (10-14 of October).
Through Croi an Oir, Abbott’s volunteering programme, employees in Ireland volunteered 9,000 hours in their local communities and organised nearly 200 events to support community and charitable organisations.
Abbott donated more than €320,000 to organisations in 2010, while employees fundraised around €70,000 and in-kind donations totalled nearly €43,000.
“In Ireland, the very active citizenship of our employees is having a significant impact in communities here and abroad. We are proud of their achievements and commitment, which are highlighted in the first Abbott Ireland citizenship report,” said Pickus.
The citizenship report provides details of Abbot’s contribution across four priority areas including: Innovating for the Future: Advancing Science and Engineering; Supporting Patients and Enhancing Access; Safeguarding the Environment and Being a Great Place to Work.
Abbott has been on the Great Places to Work list for eight consecutive years.In 2010, more than 20pc of Abbott Ireland employees participated in professional development courses.
The Clonmel facility, its largest site in Ireland, has a particular focus on attracting and retaining people with diverse needs. Their Ability Belief to Leverage Everyone (ABLE) Programme aims to attract, retain and develop people with disabilities.
