A whopping 842 US companies employing some 14.3 million workers earned a 100% rating and the designation of being a 2022 ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’, confirmed the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
That’s up from just 13 in its inaugural year some two decades ago, demonstrating the incredible impact the CEI has had on the business world over its 20-year life. This year, the organisation celebrates 20 years of being the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring company policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
The results of the 2022 CEI showcase how 1,271 companies are not only promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the US, but also for the 56% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad. In its very first year, the CEI featured 319 companies. This year’s index includes 1,271 participants, and confirms that a record-breaking 1,268 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity; up from 17 in 2002. These critical non-discrimination protections cover 40.7 million employees in the US and around the globe.
“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers – from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns – could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” stated Jay Brown, Senior Vice President of Programmes, Research and Training at HRC. “We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again and ensuring our ‘Best Places to Work’ label continues to be the gold standard. Evolving the CEI’s criteria to mirror society is imperative to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere.”
LGBTQ+ INCLUSION FINDINGS
Key findings revealed from the 2022 CEI revealed that:
- 379 of Fortune 500 businesses have official CEI ratings based on submitted surveys, compared to 366 last year; with actively participating Fortune 500 companies having an average score of 94%, up from 92 last year.
- 71% of the Fortune 500 and 91% of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage; up from 0 in 2002, and 14 times as many businesses as 10 years ago.
- 56% of the Fortune 500 and 77% of all CEI-rated companies offer comprehensive domestic partnership benefits; up from 69% of companies in 2002, which at that time only required same-sex partner benefits.
Top-rated CEI employers come from nearly every industry and region of the United States. To earn top ratings, these employers took concrete steps to establish and implement comprehensive policies, benefits and practices that ensure greater equity for LGBTQ+ workers and their families. Check out the full list here.
ADVANCING WORKPLACE EQUITY
According to recent research from HRC, LGBTQ+ individuals make up 8% of the US population, but less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs. “As a gay man and one of a few openly gay CEOs, it has been a mission of mine to ensure that all associates feel like they belong at Neiman Marcus Group,” stated Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer of Neiman Marcus Group. “I am proud of NMG’s recent recognition as the ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’; and know there is still significant work that needs to be done. I am personally committed to this mission and am excited to continue evolving our belonging programmes, partnerships and initiatives at NMG to ensure every community is seen, heard and supported.”
As a newcomer Neiman Marcus Group, completed the HRC’s CEI for the first time to benchmark and improve workplace policies and practices that support the LGBTQ+ community; and substantiate their commitment to advancing workplace equity also achieved top marks this year. As a result of the index, the company has enhanced its policies and Code of Conduct to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression and gender transition guidelines.
“NMG is a place where everyone belongs; where diversity of thought is valued; and where showing up as your full and authentic self is expected and encouraged,” said Eric Severson, Chief People & Belonging Officer, Neiman Marcus Group. “NMG has always and will continue to lead with love and stand for Love For All.”
OTHER TOP SCORERS
BAE Systems received a top 100 score for the third consecutive year and fifth time overall that the company has designated as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. “Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for LGBTQ+ employees to feel respected and valued is critical to our company’s culture and success,” highlighted Tom Arseneault, President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. “We celebrate this achievement and reaffirm our commitment to policies and practices that foster diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace.”
Caleres also earned a perfect 100 on the HRC’s annual assessment of LGBTQ+ workplace equality. “Being recognised by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in their annual Corporate Equality Index is incredibly important to us and our Associates,” stated Doug Koch, Chief Human Resources Officer of Caleres. “For eight years Caleres has received perfect or near perfect scores. Most recently we enhanced our legacy pension programme benefits to include same sex and domestic partners. We will continue to work tirelessly for an equitable workplace.”
Keurig Dr Pepper was designated as a “Best Place to Work” for LGBTQ+ Equality in the US for second consecutive years. “Achieving a 100% on the Corporate Equality Index for the second year of our company’s three-year history makes us incredibly proud,” said Mary Beth DeNooyer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Keurig Dr Pepper. “As we strive to be an employer of choice, we are continuously working to be a place where all of our employees feel inspired, valued, included and proud to be part of KDP.”
LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY LAW FIRMS
Several law firms also made the top grade. “We are proud to again be recognised as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion makes us a better company; a better competitor; and a better corporate citizen,” said Nadine Augusta, Cushman & Wakefield’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. “We will continue to prioritise LGBTQ+ inclusion; and ensure that our commitment is felt by all employees throughout our 400 offices around the world.”
International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP achieved a 100% rating for the 16th consecutive year. “Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is core to our culture; and we strive to foster a workplace that supports employees in bringing their whole selves to work,” said Managing Partner Bill Stoeri. “It’s an honour to receive a 100% rating for the sixteenth consecutive year from the Human Rights Campaign and we are grateful that HRC continues to recognise our efforts to ensure an inclusive environment for all.”
Baker McKenzie also earned top marks this year for the 12th consecutive year. “We are honoured to receive this important recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation,” said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie’s North America Chief Executive Officer. “At Baker McKenzie, we continue to implement policies, practices and initiatives aimed at creating a culture of full inclusion; where all of our people can feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We strive to be the employer of choice where everyone is respected and valued, and are so proud of our collaborative efforts in achieving this great honour.”
“The Corporate Equality Index has become the gold standard for measuring organisations’ commitment to creating a supportive workplace for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies,” added Baker McKenzie’s Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer Anna Brown. “Thank you to the HRC Foundation for this significant designation and congratulations to all those recognised this year for their hard work in leading the way toward a culture of full inclusion.”
LGBTQ+ INCLUSION COMMITMENT
Fitch Group also received a 100% rating. “We are very proud to be recognised by the HRC Foundation for our commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion. We will continue to support our LGBTQ+ employees and are delighted by the growth of the Fitch Pride Network employee resource group,” said Dr Maria Angelica Perez, Fitch Group’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
AvalonBay, the only publicly traded multifamily REIT also earned top marks this year. “We believe that equality and equal opportunity extends to everyone, no matter who you are or who you love,” said Benjamin Schall, CEO and President of AvalonBay Communities. “We’re proud to have this external recognition and endorsement of what we, at AvalonBay, already knew – AvalonBay is a great place to work and is a company that welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ associates.”
Commenting on being honoured as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality with a perfect score of 100%, Lauren Guthrie, Vice President, Global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action at VF Corporation, stated: “At VF, we strive to create and sustain an enabling environment where all our associates, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel supported, safe and celebrated at work. To our LGBTQ+ colleagues and their allies, we celebrate this honour with you and we stand with you every day.”
INCLUSIVE & DIVERSE WORKFORCES
Global chemical distributor Univar Solutions Inc also announced that it has been recognised as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, after achieving a score of 100 on the HRC’s CEI for the second consecutive year. “Being a place where people matter is not only at the heart of our values; it is also central to our purpose of helping to keep our communities healthy, fed, clean and safe,” commented Univar Solutions’ President and CEO, David Jukes. “It’s our people that differentiate us; that make us stronger and more innovative than our competition. We not only value the multiple dimensions of diversity that our people bring with them every day; we rely on it to help drive profitable growth and competitive advantage for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
“This achievement is an important milestone in our ongoing journey to realise the unstoppable power that comes from providing a fully inclusive culture for all our people,” added Brandon Lyssy, Director Global Engagement & Inclusion at Univar Solutions. “While we are proud to have again earned a top score, we see this sustained recognition as a reminder to continue to challenge ourselves to identify new and creative ways to develop our people, promote equity, and champion a more just society around the globe.”
Commenting on receiving the honour for the third consecutive year, Palo Alto Networks’ Chief People Officer Liane Hornsey, said: “It is truly an honour to again be recognised for our LGBTQ+ workplace equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. We are beyond proud of this achievement as we continue to build an inclusive and diverse workforce where all voices are heard and valued, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
Check out last year’s findings here.
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