Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) wins prestigious national award for leading the way in domestic abuse support in the workplace

On 12 November, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) was named the winner of the prestigious Everyone’s Business Award, recognising the huge strides the company has taken to create a safe, supportive environment for employees affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

Bristol Myers Squibb take home the Everyone's Business award for their support of employees affected by domestic abuse

The Everyone’s Business Award, presented by Hestia in partnership with the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), is a national kitemark of best practice. It honours businesses that are committed to embedding effective domestic abuse support across their organisation. 

1 in 5 women take time off work as a result of domestic abuse, which costs UK businesses an estimated £14 billion annually

Recent data shows that around 1 in 5 women take time off work as a result of domestic abuse, which costs UK businesses an estimated £14 billion annually in lost productivity and time off work. 

Since 2019, Hestia has partnered with over 250 employers across the UK, reaching more than 700,000 employees through workplace domestic abuse policies, training and workplace support. 

BMS stood out among an impressive shortlist of inspiring organisations, all working to improve their internal processes, policies, and culture for those impacted by domestic abuse. 

BMS has undertaken extensive work following specialist training from Hestia’s Everyone’s Business team, including: 

• Establishing a robust domestic abuse policy 

• Providing targeted training for HR and management teams 

• Creating clear internal pathways to access external support safely and confidentially 

These measures have been supported by both the Board and Senior Management, ensuring that domestic abuse awareness is fully integrated into the company’s wellbeing and safeguarding strategies. 

Elinora Pisanti, HR Lead at Bristol Myers Squibb UK & Ireland:

“We’re honoured to receive the Everyone’s Business Award from Hestia and EIDA. Raising awareness amongst our colleagues and supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse is a core part of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive workplace. This recognition is a tribute to our Domestic Abuse Support Group, which has led the way in helping to make our company a space where anyone who is affected by this issue feels heard and protected. There’s always more to do, but we hope our journey shows other businesses what’s possible.” 

Alessia Bianco, Head of Everyone’s Business at Hestia, said:

“We’re proud to recognise Bristol Myers Squibb with the Everyone’s Business Award for their leadership in supporting employees affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. They’ve shown what it means to create a workplace where people feel safe, listened to, and believed. Through specialist training and a clear commitment from leadership, Bristol Myers Squibb are helping to ensure that no one has to face abuse alone. They are a powerful example of what it means to truly make domestic abuse everyone’s business.”