US retailer Kroger has earned a top score for the fifth consecutive year on the country's Disability Equality Index 2024.
The index is a confidential disability rating tool with a comprehensive benchmark that scores companies on five categories: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement and supplier diversity.
Participating companies receive a score on a scale of zero to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the benchmark year.
Kroger senior vice-president and chief people officer Tim Massa commented: "Consistently earning this distinction is a testament to our associates and the environment we've created together."
Kroger director and executive advisor to the Our Abilities Associate Resource Group Buffy Turner added: "Each associate brings their own set of abilities, encompassing diverse skillsets and backgrounds. Kroger embraces the opportunity for associates to learn from one another and grow together.”
The Disability Equality Index is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
In May 2024, Kroger and the labour union United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 negotiated a new contract, affecting more than 1,000 grocery workers.
The supermarket chain is also engaged in a potential $24.6bn acquisition of Albertson’s, which would create a US retail giant.
