Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank (pictured) and Hasbro are among the organisations in the United States which have been recognised for workplace policies that provide equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
These were among the 517 organisations which were awarded the top score of 100% in the 2017 Corporate Equality index, compiled by the educational arm of the US LGBTQ civil rights organisation.
This represents a 25% increase in the percentage of top-scoring organisations year on year, after 407 Fortune 500 organisations gained 100% for their inclusive workplace practices in 2015. This represents the largest jump in the history of the report, which has been running annually for 15 years.
The Corporate Equality Index is a US-based report that benchmarks corporate policies and practices surrounding workplace equality for LGBT employees. The key areas rated by the report are: non-discrimination policies, organisational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBT equality, responsible citizenship and employment benefits, such as healthcare cover for transgender staff and equal benefits for same-sex or transgender spouses.
This year, a total of 887 organisations were officially rated by the Corporate Equality Index. The report found that 73% of rated organisations offer transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage, which is an increase on the 60% that did so last year.
In addition, 93% of rated organisations have adopted sexual orientation equal employment policies for US and global operations and 92% have gender identity equal employment policies for US and global operations. Same-sex domestic partner or spousal benefits were also provided by 98% of the rated organisations.
When the Corporate Equality Index launched, 3% of Fortune 500 organisations had non-discrimination protections in place, which included gender identity. This figure has now reached 82%.
Chad Griffin, president at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, said: “The unprecedented expansion of inclusive workplaces across the country and around the globe not only reflects our progress, it helps drive it. As we enter a new chapter in our fight for equality, support from the business community will be more critical than ever to protect our historic advancements over the last decade and to continue to push equality forward for [employees], customers and families around the world.”
Erika Irish Brown, global head of diversity and inclusion at Bloomberg, added: “We are extremely proud that Bloomberg has earned a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index. [The] recognition reflects the leadership, engagement and support driving our steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion at Bloomberg.”
Brian Goldner, chairman, president and chief executive officer at Hasbro, said: “We’re committed to building a future where all people feel welcome, and that’s why we believe so deeply in fostering an inclusive workplace, one where employees feel empowered to be themselves and leaders celebrate diversity.”
Bill Woodley, chief executive officer at Deutsche Bank Americas, said: “Deutsche Bank is proud of its continued commitment to the [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersexual] community. Deutsche Bank promotes an environment where all employees, including individuals of any sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, can realise their full potential.”
