Takeda Australia Recognised for LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion with Bronze AWEI Statu
Takeda Australia recognised under national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion
Bronze AWEI recognition reflects foundational progress toward inclusive employee and patient experiences
SYDNEY, 29 May 2026 – Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia has been recognised with Bronze status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), Australia’s national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, developed and delivered by Pride in Diversity, a national program of ACON.
The AWEI is a national benchmarking framework that enables organisations to assess their progress against leading practice in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Through a detailed submission and employee insights, it provides a structured way to measure progress over time and benchmark against peers across Australia.
This marks the first time Takeda Australia has participated in the AWEI, establishing a baseline aligned to national standards and reflecting a deliberate, multi-year approach to strengthening inclusion in a way that is embedded and trusted.
“What this recognition really represents is the work behind it,” said Jennifer Jones, Head of Human Resources, Takeda Oceania.
“Over the past two years, our leaders and DE&I Council have focused on strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion by listening, learning and making meaningful, lasting changes. Our goal has been to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves, with improvements that also benefit our broader workforce. What matters most is that this is felt in people’s experience at work. We’re proud of this milestone and committed to keep learning and continuing to strengthen inclusion across our organisation.”
Bronze status recognises organisations that have established foundational practices across key areas of inclusion, providing a benchmark for continued progress.
Takeda’s recognition is underpinned by locally led initiatives, including an employee-formed DE&I Council, a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan launched in 2024, and Inclusivity Guidelines to support accessible, person-first and gender-inclusive language in patient and consumer materials. These guidelines were developed in consultation with ACON, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, People with Disability Australia and the Sydney Health Literacy Lab, reflecting a focus on improving both employee and patient experiences.
Takeda is a member of Pride in Diversity, the national program of ACON that administers the AWEI.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful,” said Dave Pearce, General Manager Oceania, Takeda.
“It reflects the sustained effort of our local teams to build inclusive practices in a deliberate and consistent way. Stronger inclusion strengthens our business and improves outcomes for patients.
When our people feel supported and able to contribute fully, we bring broader perspectives and make better decisions that support improved outcomes.”
Takeda Oceania will mark the recognition during Pride Month in June with an employee event led by its DE&I Council.
About Takeda
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading valuesbased, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.
Media Contact:
Takeda Oceania Communications
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