Egon Zehnder proudly received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the United States’ foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality, for the third year in a row. We join the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion.
The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants; further demonstrating the tremendous trajectory of the CEI, a record-breaking 1,340 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity, up from just 17 in 2002. These critical non-discrimination protections cover 21 million employees in the U.S. and around the globe.
Egon Zehnder’s efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
We firmly understand that there is work to be done to achieve full lived equality in the workplace. We’re dedicated to continuing these conversations and participating in the CEI survey to ensure our employees are heard, represented and respected at work.
What is the criteria for the Corporate Equality Index (CEI)?
The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million outside of the U.S. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
● Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
● Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;
● Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
● Corporate social responsibility.
About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC)
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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