Retailers Receive High Marks for Workplace Equality

By [ Evan Armstrong ]
01/23/2020

Now here is news worth celebrating. Earlier this week, the Human Rights Council (HRC) Foundation released its 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), rating workplaces on LGBTQ equality. The Index features American companies and law firms that earned top scores of 100 in the survey measuring LGBTQ workplace inclusion.

Several retailers were among the companies recognized, including 23 RILA members, listed below.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Apple
Costco
CVS Health
Best Buy
Gap Inc.
GameStop
IKEA
JCrew
Kroger
L Brands
Levi Strauss

Lowe’s
Macy’s
Meijer
Nike
Nordstrom
Staples
Starbucks
Target
VF Corp.
Walgreen
Walmart

The CEI is based on detailed criteria within four categories: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility including public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.

While the CEI helps quantify companies’ commitment to workplace equality, RILA has seen firsthand the work retailers are doing to build diverse and inclusive workplaces for all people. Most notably, through our Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, we focus on helping retailers make progress from all points in their D&I organizational strategy and collaborating among peers to move the entire industry forward.

These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do – it is also the best business decision.

Alphonso David

President
Human Rights Campaign

We couldn’t agree more. The business case for allowing individuals to bring their authentic self to the workplace is undeniable. We salute the businesses recognized by HRC for their commitment to LGBTQ equality. Their leadership in the retail D&I journey will make progress much more achievable for the industry.

For more information about equality in the retail workplace and RILA’s initiative to build a 21^st century retail workforce that is diverse, innovative, and skilled, please contact RILA Vice President of Workforce Evan Armstrong.