Globally, it’s estimated that 1.3 billion people are living with a disability of some kind, a number that’s on the rise as the world’s population ages. Millions more are caregivers for loved ones with illnesses and disabilities — a critical role often balanced with full-time work.

Recognizing the need to support this large and growing segment, Ecolab four years ago launched the Disability Ability & Wellness Network (DAWN), an employee resource group focused on supporting associates with differing abilities as well as caregivers. I’m proud to have recently stepped in as the executive sponsor of DAWN, an experience that has given me first-hand insight into the challenges this group faces, as well as the opportunities for growth.

What has impressed me most is just how engaged this community is. We have roughly 800 active members worldwide. These are associates who either have a disability, are caregivers or are allies who want to be actively involved in supporting the group.

We’ve been able to host expert speakers and have candid discussions with them on relevant topics such as ways to avoid caregiver burnout and how neurodiversity can contribute to innovative thinking and problem solving. Our French chapter has sponsored a paralympic archer who has inspired associates by sharing his journey. And associates routinely engage in advocacy circles to share real experiences, challenges and solutions with each other.

More broadly, Ecolab’s flexible work schedule, which allows 40% remote work and up to two weeks fully remote per year, has helped associates with transportation and schedule challenges, a common concern for caregivers. We also provide comprehensive support through our employee assistance and mental health support programs. That includes financial protection for associates and families in case of serious illness or injury, pay continuation — the backbone resources that will allow you to get treated and back into the workforce.

Ecolab has also stepped up recruitment efforts in recent years, partnering with community organizations to expand our reach and opportunities for individuals with a diverse range of abilities to join our team. Though the unemployment rate for people with a disability has improved (7.2% in the U.S. in 2023), it is still significantly higher than for those without a disability and we will continue to try and erase that disparity.

Building a more diverse workforce and fostering a culture of belonging are critical pieces of our 2030 Impact aspirations. Supporting associates of various abilities as well as caregivers will continue to be an important part of that.

From my experiences in Supply Chain, our efforts to foster inclusivity and belonging like what we are doing with DAWN make a real impact. There’s a strong correlation between our highest performing teams, our highest performing manufacturing operations — our safest manufacturing operations — and how diverse those teams are. We have better results when we have inclusive teams and inclusive leadership.

DAWN is still young, with only a few chapters globally. I hope to see it expand to every country where Ecolab has a presence. The achievements to date are a reflection of the commitment of our team and journey so far, but we’re still a long way from the destination.

This is a resilient community that overcomes significant challenges every day. There’s a lot more progress to be made and a lot that all of us can learn from each other. We are just starting to see what potential we can unlock.