Corporate equality index : a benchmarking tool for LGBTQ workplace equality

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) as a benchmarking tool, for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. The analysis of the Index follows the four pillars, on which the rating system of the CEI is based: non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for the LGBTQ+ employees, organizational LGBTQ+ competency and public commitment. The evolution of the criteria during the years, the methodology, the rating system and the recent criteria of the CEI are presented, delving deeper into the analysis of its findings. These findings offer a list of “best practices”, which could be used from organizations to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion in their workplaces, gaining a major advantage, towards their competitors. In order to highlight the benefits of implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices and policies in the workplace, a top-rated company in the CEI, for consecutive years since its launch, is presented. Concluding, the CEI could be used as a self-assessment tool for employers interested in fostering LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. It could be a useful tool, providing LGBTQ+ inclusive “best practices”. However, diversity and inclusion (D&I) issues in the workplace, should be conceptually expanding, because D&I are practically company-wide issues. It is also pointed out, that the CEI or other similar indexes are not a panacea for LGBTQ+ equality. The “voices” of the employees, working on awarded LGBTQ+ inclusive employers do matter and they should be taken seriously into account.