Work-Life Programs

Adoption Assistance

Abbott reimburses up to $10,000 for eligible expenses related to the successful legal adoption of a child (other than a family member). Up to two weeks of paid time off is also available for legal, travel or bonding needs related to the adoption.

Child Care Solutions

At Abbott, our people pipeline is just as important as our product pipeline, and our investment in child care is one part of our commitment to helping employees manage — and more importantly integrate — their personal and professional lives.

Our support of quality child care alternatives is an important investment in our continued success as a company. When we invest in our young people — in the early years— we're really investing in a skilled and innovative future workforce.

Abbott offers several programs and resources to increase the availability and improve the quality of family child care alternatives in the communities where our employees live. Our programs include both center-based and home-based child care.

Child Care Programs for Abbott Employees
Teacher Training and Community Development

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP is a free, confidential benefit program for employees and retirees (age 65 and under), their dependents and household members. The EAP provides easy access to a behavioral health professional who can offer individuals and their families support and direction with personal concerns.

The EAP offers a range of services, at no charge, including problem assessment; short-term counseling (up to six sessions); information about and referral to community resources and treatment programs; educational materials; and follow-up. EAP professionals also provide consultation to managers and supervisors; crisis intervention; and educational/training sessions.

Legal Services

Offered through Abbott's Employee Assistance Program, this benefit is available to Abbott employees and retirees (age 65 and under), their dependents and household members. It provides individuals with one free consultation, up to 30 minutes, as well as a reduced rate on the general fee schedule of the network firm.

Mothers At Work

The Mothers At Work Program is designed to help female employees decide whether breastfeeding is an option for them, help them get started, and ease their transition back to work. All Abbott employees may access educational materials and discounts on breast pumps, and female employees are eligible for free counseling from board-certified lactation consultants 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recreation and Sports Activities

There's something for everyone in Abbott's Recreation and Sports Activities program. Abbott employees can participate in a number of company-sponsored activities with fellow employees. Available sports vary by site and may include bowling, basketball, golf, volleyball, softball, skiing, tennis and bingo. For those employees with interests outside of sports, Abbott offers a number of clubs that allow them to share these common interests — including traveling, gardening, jazz music, fishing, foreign languages and camping. Activities vary by location.

Transit Reimbursement Incentive Program

This benefit allows employees who commute by public transit or van pool to pay for transit expenses with money deducted from their paycheck before federal, state and local taxes are applied. By participating in this program, employees can reduce their commuting expenses and taxable income, increasing their spendable income.

Tuition Assistance

Abbott provides ongoing opportunities and support for employees to learn and grow. Employees (including newly hired employees) with at least one year of full-time post-undergraduate business experience can take advantage of Abbott's generous tuition assistance program. This program reimburses employees for business-relevant classes at 100 percent up to $5,250 per year for undergraduate classes and $7,000 per year for graduate classes.

Work-Life Services

Work-Life services is a free resource and referral program that provides Abbott employees, retirees (age 65 and under), their dependents and household members with confidential consultation on a variety of topics. Topics include parenting, caregiving, schooling and education, everyday convenience services, basic financial issues, coping with disabilities and resources for child and elder care. Individuals also have access to a comprehensive Web site containing information and free materials, including CD's, booklets, educational kits, and a wide range of publications on work-life issues.