CEI 2016: Tech Companies Continue Decade-Plus History of Setting LGBT Workplace Inclusion Standards

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin

Reddit

Computer hardware, software and data services companies again score high in HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index

WASHINGTON – The nation’s computer tech companies continue to lead on corporate LGBT workplace inclusion, according to the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) new report issued today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.

 A full breakdown of the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) scores for the computer tech sector, which includes computer software; computer hardware and office equipment; and computer and data services companies, can be found here, here and here.

 HRC’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is America’s premiere benchmarking tool for LGBT workplace equality, and this year, for the first time in its 14-year history, required that top-scoring companies have a global non-discrimination policy or code of conduct that specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The results of the 2016 CEI showcases how hundreds of U.S.-based multinational companies are not only promoting LGBT-friendly workplace policies in the U.S. but helping to advance the cause of LGBT equality around the globe.

 A record-breaking 407 businesses nationwide earned 100-point scores in the CEI, and 21 of these companies are in the computer hardware, software and data services areas of the tech sector. More than 850 companies actively participated in the CEI this year.

 Additionally, 10 internet services and retailing companies achieved perfect scores, including newcomers Airbnb Inc., Paypal Holdings Inc., and Twitter Inc., and WeddingWire Inc. They join Google Inc., eBay Inc., Facebook Inc., Groupon Inc., Yahoo! Inc., and Yelp Inc.

 Eventbrite Inc. of San Francisco, Calif. joined the list for the first time with a score of 85; and Autodesk Inc. of San Rafael, Calif., joined with a score of 85.

 In the first CEI report published in 2002, tech companies began distinguishing themselves as leaders in workplace equality, with Apple and Xerox leading the way. Those two companies are among only nine nationwide that have received perfect scores in every CEI.

 “Tech companies recognized early on that innovation requires a pipeline of top talent and an inclusive environment where employees know their ideas and perspectives will be valued. It’s no surprise that this year the nation’s leading tech firms continued to set new and more robust standards for LGBT inclusion, ” said Deena Fidas, director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program. “.

 “Our nation’s top companies continue to rise to the challenge of creating workplaces that are fully LGBT-inclusive,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “This year’s CEI demonstrates yet again that America’s most successful companies continue to set the standard for inclusion, and understand that the fight for LGBT equality is a global endeavor, to be pursued with resolve and urgency.”

 The purpose of the CEI, which this year had 851 companies actively participating, is also to encourage small- and medium-sized companies, as well as state and municipal governments, to increase workplace acceptance by extending similar inclusive benefits and protections to LGBT employees.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:

1. Non-discrimination policies

2. Employment benefits

3. Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion

4. Public commitment to LGBT equality

5. Responsible citizenship

 The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.