UnitedHealth Group Named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for Second Year

For the second year in a row, UnitedHealth Group has been named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion in 2021 by the Disability Equality Index^® (DEI). Companies with top ratings were acknowledged for their contributions toward disability inclusion through comprehensive policies, benefits and practices. 

UnitedHealth Group once again earned a top score, which reflects the company's strong alignment with leading disability inclusion practices, including:

• Enterprise-wide access

• Benefits

• Accommodations

• Supplier diversity

Learn more by reading the DEI Report .  

"UnitedHealth Group is honored to be named as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion," said Cory Alexander, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs, UnitedHealth Group and executive sponsor of the Disability Inclusion steering committee. "This recognition is a testament to the work of our team members who are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion within our organization and we know there is more work to be done." 

"Earning a top score inspires us to continue the important work of ensuring everyone is valued and able to reach their full potential," said executive sponsor Adam Hjerpe, UnitedHealth Group senior vice president for Enterprise Client Optimization. 

UnitedHealth Group's disability inclusion effort is led by a dedicated steering committee and director of disability inclusion. Senior leadership support is essential to ensuring disability inclusion efforts are prioritized throughout the organization.

Andrea Eselunas, director of Enterprise Disability Inclusion Programs for UnitedHealth Group, acknowledged that the company's creation of her position serves as a commitment to disability inclusion. "Not many companies have programs like this, let alone one person whose sole job is to support its mission," she said. "It speaks volumes about our company's goal of cultivating an environment where all people feel heard, included and appreciated. We are proud to be on the right path, and we know we have to keep working for continued inclusion."

What Disability Inclusion Means at UnitedHealth Group 

Sudha Rajan, digital accessibility director at Optum, reflects on what it means to have disability inclusion be a critical part of UnitedHealth Group’s diversity, equity and inclusion. “Disability is an essential part of DEI work since at least 20% of Americans have disabilities,” adding that a high level of trust between supervisors and their teams is necessary to create an environment where all people feel comfortable and safe, especially those with disabilities.
 
Optum Senior Business Process Analyst David Willis notes that he has personally felt that level of trust on his teams. “My team and management, all the way up the ladder, has gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. UnitedHealth Group has significantly stepped up its game the last few years as it relates to disability, diversity and inclusion. I am proud to be a part of this company.”

About the Disability Equality Index^®

The DEI is a joint initiative between the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN, and serves as a benchmarking tool to help companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions toward disability inclusion and equality. The two organizations work with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee to use their expertise in business, policy and disability advocacy to measure disability inclusion policies and practices. 

Read how UnitedHealth Group is advancing inclusion and diversity by fostering a culture where all team members are appreciated in our 2020 Sustainability Report .