Building an Inclusive Workplace For Everyone

When you think about your ideal workplace, what comes to mind? For Jennie Meeker, it’s a place where you can bring your authentic self to work, contribute to something meaningful, and feel supported by your team. That vision is the foundation of the culture Jennie is helping to build at IFF.

As the Head of Regulatory Business Operations for Global Regulatory Affairs, Jennie leads a team that ensures our systems and processes run smoothly to deliver safe and innovative solutions to the market. However, beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, her story at IFF is deeply tied to a much larger mission: creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and celebrated for who they are.

“It’s my mission to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and celebrated for who they are.”

This mission inspired Jennie to co-found and co-lead the colleague community AccessAbilities. It’s an employee resource group focused on fostering a workplace where colleagues with disabilities, caregivers, and allies feel valued, supported, and heard. We asked Jennie where her passion comes from, why she believes AccessAbilities can make a change, what she hopes to achieve, and why you should join IFF.

My Journey And Advocacy For Inclusive Workplaces

Working while managing a disability or being a caregiver brings unique challenges. It is a constant balancing act that affects every aspect of life, from professional responsibilities to personal well-being. I know this firsthand. When my son was diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions, my world changed overnight. The practical challenges were intense, but the mental and emotional weight was even more significant.

Having a disability or being a caregiver while maintaining a career requires more than just simple time management. It demands a high level of adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving. Every day brings decisions that others might never have to think about. There are days when work deadlines and medical appointments clash, and other days when a school call in the middle of a meeting throws everything off balance. In those moments, the pressure to be fully present in every role feels almost impossible. It can be isolating to exist in a world that doesn’t always recognize or accommodate these realities. The systems in place rarely make it easy, but even more than that, the social expectations can feel unrelenting. There is an invisible expectation to push through without showing the struggle, to keep up without asking for adjustments, to prove that you belong in spaces that were not built with you in mind.

“I’ve learned that inclusion is about creating an environment where people feel empowered to share their challenges without fear of judgment.”

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to advocate for others in similar situations. I want to help make workplaces genuinely inclusive. I’ve learned that inclusion is about creating an environment where people feel empowered to share their challenges without fear of judgment. One of the most significant obstacles to inclusion is stigma. Employees with visible or invisible disabilities such as neurodiversity, chronic illness, or mental health conditions often feel hesitant to share their challenges. They worry they will be seen as less capable or face judgment. This silence can isolate individuals and hold back organizations from the potential these employees bring.

My hope is to help create a world where someone like my son can pursue their dreams without being held back by unnecessary barriers or outdated perceptions. I want workplaces to embrace flexibility and understanding as fundamental values. Flexibility changes how employees with unique challenges can balance their personal and professional lives. For me, it means being able to adjust my schedule so I can put my kids on the school bus in the morning or be there to greet them at the end of the day. This support has allowed me to be fully present at home and in my career, creating the space to succeed in both. When companies provide this kind of understanding, they unlock the potential of their employees and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

I believe in the importance of speaking up and sharing our experiences. Whether someone is managing a disability, caring for someone else, or seeking to understand the challenges others face, their voice can stimulate change. By opening up and listening to one another, we create workplaces and communities rooted in empathy and support. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels empowered to contribute and succeed.

Bringing AccessAbilities To Life

That’s why we launched AccessAbilities in November 2021 to create a space where employees with disabilities, caregivers, and allies could connect, share experiences, and drive meaningful change. Co-leading this initiative has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Working alongside a dedicated team of colleagues, we have turned this community into a force for transformation.

“What makes AccessAbilities truly special to me is how employee-driven it is. The ideas, initiatives, and conversations that fuel this community come directly from the hearts and experiences of our colleagues. AccessAbilities shows that real change happens when people are driven by purpose and passion.”

In just two years, AccessAbilities has made significant strides. We have hosted training sessions to help colleagues better support those with visible and invisible disabilities. We have reviewed internal policies to identify areas where accessibility and accommodations can be improved, resulting in the Global Reasonable Accommodations policy, which ensures every employee, anywhere in the world, can ask for the support they need. Through partnerships with other employee resource groups, we have explored the intersectionality of disability with race, gender, and mental health. We hosted a mental health series with thousands of our colleagues attending, showing how vital these conversations are. By fostering dialogue across regions, we have challenged cultural perceptions and encouraged a better understanding of disability.

What makes AccessAbilities truly special to me is how employee-driven it is. The ideas, initiatives, and conversations that fuel this community come directly from the hearts and experiences of our colleagues. AccessAbilities shows that real change happens when people are driven by purpose and passion.

The Road Ahead

While we’ve made significant progress in fostering a more inclusive workplace, much remains to be done. Increasing workforce representation for people with disabilities is a priority, but it is just the beginning of the journey.

Through AccessAbilities, we’re continuing to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. We are working to challenge outdated perceptions and improve the ways workplaces support their employees. This includes improving communication about accommodations, rethinking policies, and addressing regional differences in how disabilities are perceived. Everyone at IFF has a role to play in creating the culture we want to see, and this work will only continue to grow.

If you’re considering a role at IFF, know that you have the power to shape your experience. Speak up, ask for what you need, and get involved. Your voice makes a difference whether it is an accommodation, mentorship, or starting a meaningful conversation. Change happens when employees act and push for the better. I have seen firsthand how engagement creates a real impact. You are an integral part of the change you want to see.

Why You Should Consider a Career At IFF

“This is a place where you can bring your authentic self to work and feel supported in your journey.

If you’re looking for your next opportunity, there’s never been a better time to join IFF. Our innovations impact millions of lives every day, from plant-based solutions to life-enhancing fragrances. But what makes IFF truly stand out is the people and the culture we have built together.

Diversity is celebrated here, and every voice is valued. This is a place where you can bring your authentic self to work and feel supported in your journey. Whether you want to take on new roles, lead initiatives, or develop your skills, IFF provides endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We understand that life happens outside of work, which is why we embrace flexible work models that allow employees to succeed both professionally and personally. This balance ensures that you can grow your career without sacrificing the things that matter most to you.

If you are passionate about inclusion, innovation, and making a difference, IFF is a place where you can build a career filled with purpose. Together, we are creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.