MassMutual earns perfect score on 2020 Disability Equality Index

July 15, 2020

Recognized as a “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion
 

Springfield, Mass., July 15, 2020 – For the fourth year in a row, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is being recognized as a “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion,” scoring 100% for the first time. The company previously scored 90% since 2017.

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a prominent benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and America’s top 200 revenue grossing law firms (Am Law 200) to gauge their level of disability workplace inclusion against competitors. The DEI was first launched in 2015 and is acknowledged today as the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates.

“Our commitment to being a diverse and inclusive company does not waver and is not negotiable,” said Lorie Valle-Yañez, head of diversity and inclusion, MassMutual. “We are steadfast in advocating for inclusion, fairness and equity, value people for who they are, and celebrate all diversity. Fostering an inclusive environment for people of all abilities, including for people with disabilities, is one of the ways we live mutual and strengthen our business.”

In 2020, 247 corporations, including 143 Fortune 500 and 154 Fortune 1000 utilized the DEI to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. The 2020 DEI measured: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations); Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; Non-U.S. Operations (Non-Weighted).

So what did MassMutual do over the last year to move its high score of 90% to 100%? The company expanded its online resources and education for employees, refreshed its processes to create a more inclusive recruiting experience for candidates of all abilities, and continued integrating disability inclusion in our virtual and physical spaces.

“The Disability Equality Index top scoring companies represent those businesses that have invested in accessibility and inclusion across their enterprise,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ADA, it is wonderful to see the progress made by these companies, and we hope to see continued progress and support for the DEI over the next 30 years.”

Globally, people with disabilities represent over one billion people. Disability is a natural part of the human experience and we cross lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and religion.

About MassMutual
MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

About the Disability Equality Index®
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a national, transparent benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to self-report their disability inclusion policies and practices. It was developed by two national leaders, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 50+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

About Disability:IN®
Disability:IN, formerly known as the US Business Leadership Network, is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Partnering with more than 220 corporations, Disability:IN expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. The organization and 30 affiliates raise a collective voice of positive change for people with disabilities in business. Through its programs and services, Disability:IN empowers businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality, with the goal of advancing inclusion to the point when the organization is no longer necessary. Learn more at: www.disabilityin.org.