Abt Global is deeply committed to fostering an environment of opportunity and fairness in the workplace, promoting equality across gender, ability, and race. Since Abt’s inception, our founder, Clark Abt, observed that most companies in the 1960s had a glass ceiling for women—usually limiting them to secretarial positions. He saw it as an opportunity to hire from a vast pool of talent for research, analytical, and implementation jobs at Abt. By the mid-1980s, women were running five of our six government research units and have continued to shape Abt’s legacy and leadership in the decades that followed. In 1992, Wendell Knox, an African American Harvard grad, became president and chief executive officer (CEO) when there wasn’t a single black CEO of a major U.S. company.
Our approach to pay equity is guided by data-driven decision-making, ensuring fairness and maintaining equity across our workforce. We monitor salaries systematically, helping Abt remain an attractive and inclusive employer.
A diverse workforce strengthens our mission and fuels innovation. Transparency and accountability guide our efforts, as demonstrated by sharing our global workforce demographic data with both our employees and the public.
Our employees receive training at every level to lead with an equitable mindset, with an emphasis on reflecting inward and evaluating how personal beliefs, and actions influence our work and corporate culture. Reflecting inward can feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary to foster a global workplace built on respect and collaboration, two of Abt’s core values.
Employee Networking Groups help create a sense of belonging and offer platforms to Abt employees where they can connect with colleagues. They also provide networking, mentorship, and career development opportunities. The employee-led groups span the globe and include:
- Asian & Pacific Islanders at Abt
- Black at Abt
- Disability Pride
- Emerging Leaders
- PRISM
- Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group
- Somos Abt
- Wellbeing at Abt
- Women at Abt
Abt’s commitment to opportunity, respect, and fairness for all in the workplace is recognized by several global assessment and certification platforms.
Awards, Certifications, and Pledges
- Abt Global is the first U.S., Australian and U.K. government implementing partner to achieve the EDGE certification. EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender equality in the workplace.
- Global Health 50/50 2023 Report: High Performer
- CEO Kathleen Flanagan signed Act!On For Diversity and Inclusion pledge
Abt is Bell Seal certified. The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a national certification program by Mental Health America that recognizes employers who are committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.