HRC Foundation's 2021 Corporate Equality Index releases ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality’

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, which was released today, and which serves as a roadmap for major U.S. business’ adoption of inclusive policies, practices and benefits for LGBTQ employees, continues to show incredible growth in the number of employers that are committed to implementing LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices.

An outstanding 1,142 companies actively participated in the CEI 2021 Survey, which was the largest number of companies to be ranked by date, and 767 employers achieved a top score of 100 and earned the coveted title of “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.”

Among the U.S. businesses that were ranked, 51 companies in retail have been designated a "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality" for their efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100% ranking.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories including non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.

McKesson and Giant are among the companies receiving perfect scores multiple times.  

This year marks the eighth consecutive year that McKesson received the honor as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the HRC Foundation. McKesson achieved 100% on the HRC’s 2021 CEI.

“Now, more than ever, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is essential in supporting our employees, customers and our communities,” said Brian Tyler, McKesson CEO. “We continue to work aggressively and thoughtfully towards our diversity goals, and I couldn’t be prouder that McKesson continues to be recognized for our dedication to this important work.”

McKesson has been at the forefront in offering expanded LGBTQ benefits such as transgender-inclusive assistance to employees, coverage for HIV prevention medication, PrEP and providing same-sex partners with family health and wellness benefits. Additionally, McKesson recently joined the United Nation Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform focused on making progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. including in the area of reducing inequalities.

“McKesson’s open, consistent, and strong support for inclusion and diversity not only made me feel safe and comfortable coming out publicly to my colleagues, but also helped me to find the courage I needed to transition,” said Evalyn Keefe, a business intelligence team lead for McKesson, who began her transition two years ago. “The combination of support from my family, friends and McKesson has enabled me to finally reach a place in my life where I feel hope for the future and that I am finally on the right path towards a full and rewarding life as my authentic self.”

Giant also has been recognized among the best places to work for LGBTQ equality, receiving perfect marks for the third year in a row on the HRC Foundation’s 2021 CEI.

“Our team members are at the front and center of everything that we do, which is why we support each team member fully and uniquely,” said Matt Lutcavage, vice president of human resources, The GIANT Company. “Guided by our ‘Be You’ team promise, we are committed to creating a growing culture of inclusion and belonging across our organization. We are grateful for this distinction and for our team who has made The GIANT Company a place where everyone – team members, supplier and community partners and customers alike – is respected, valued, heard and welcomed just the way they are.”

“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a long-overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign president. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”

The full list of companies that achieved a top score of 100 and earning the coveted title of “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” can be found here.