Apple has once again received a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) annual Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ equality and inclusion.
The organization ranks companies on the following criteria:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.
Companies receive a rating based on their stated policies, which can include health care for same-sex partners of employees, and ensuring participation of LGBTQ companies in their supply chain.
While the average Corporate Equality Index rating was 67%, 13 of the top 20 companies in the rankings scored 100%, including:
- Walmart Inc
- Apple Inc.
- McKesson Corp.
- UnitedHealth Group Inc.
- General Motors Co.
- AT&T Inc.
- AmerisourceBergen Corp.
- Amazon.com Inc.
- Cardinal Health Inc.
- Walgreen Co.
- Kroger Co., The
- Chevron Corp.
- Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
HRCF notes companies benefit from ensuring a perfect Corporate Equality Index score, with minimal additional costs.
Most employers report to the HRC Foundation an overall increase of less than 3.5 percent of total benefits costs when they implement partner benefits and marginal increases related to transgender-inclusive health care coverage (i.e. a fraction of a decimal point of cost calculations).
HRCF also noted that many companies now have formally recognized Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to help ensure inclusive policies and cultures. It also notes that folks that are not LGBTQ personally, but are active in promoting equality and diversity – are playing an increasing role.
“The top-scoring companies on this year’s CEI are not only establishing policies that affirm and include employees here in the United States, they are applying these policies to their global operations and impacting millions of people beyond our shores,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Many of these companies have also become vocal advocates for equality in the public square, including the dozens that have signed on to amicus briefs in vital Supreme Court cases and the more than 180 that have joined HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act. Time and again, leading American businesses have shown that protecting their employees and customers from discrimination isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also good for business.”
(Via 9to5Mac)
