The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest U.S. organization dedicated to championing civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, has designated our firm a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.” The honor is based on our score of 100—the highest possible score on the HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
“We greatly appreciate this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign because it’s a meaningful validation of the supportive, inclusive culture we’ve maintained for so long at our firm,” says Phil Harrison, our Chief Executive Officer. “It’s our fundamental belief that diversity creates innovation, and that an inclusive workplace allows people to thrive and reach their true potential.”
A Rigorous Rating System
The CEI, now in its 17th year, is considered a national benchmarking tool on U.S. company policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees. Its information comes primarily from responses to an in-depth survey sent to participating companies, combined with supporting documentation and public records. Criteria for this year’s index were more stringent than ever before, and included metrics such as non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
For us, the rigor of the rating system makes our top score even more meaningful.
“We’re committed to providing LGBTQ+ supportive policies and inclusive benefits for our workplace because, quite frankly, it’s the right thing to do,” says Meg Brown, our Chief Talent Officer. “It creates a welcoming environment where everyone can be their personal best, no matter who they are.”
An Attitude of Gratitude
While it’s important to celebrate our CEI ranking, it’s perhaps more important to recognize – and extend our gratitude to – our LGBTQ+ colleagues, whose many contributions to our practice and culture have been invaluable. Through their active participation on our Diversity Council, their leadership of our local LGBTQ+ affinity groups, and their close involvement in our cultural events and activities, we’ve been able to foster an inclusive environment in which colleagues and clients feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.
“We’re a global firm, so our talent pool has to reflect the diversity of the world we live in and design for,” says Gabrielle Bullock, our Director of Global Diversity. “We’re grateful for the unique perspectives that our diverse staff bring to the table every day. There’s no question they make us a better, stronger firm.”
For more information about the CEI, visit www.hrc.org.
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