The Human Rights Campaign this week released its annual Corporate Equality Index and numerous Atlanta-based companies scored 100 for their policies ensuring LGBT employees are treated fairly across numerous categories such as protections and healthcare for transgender employees and supporting and sponsoring LGBT causes.
The HRC has been issuing its CEI since 2002 when only 13 companies scored 100. But as society has changed on its positions of LGBT equality, including in the workforce, and more companies sought out the HRC’s endorsement, that number has jumped to a record 304 businesses earning the coveted 100 score for the 2014 index.
Another notable milestone — the HRC reports that this year marks the first year in the CEI’s history that more than 60 percent of the Fortune 500 companies participating include both sexual orientation and gender identity protections for employees.
“In this watershed year for LGBT equality, Corporate America joins the rapidly growing ranks of public proponents of LGBT rights. At the same time, the CEI reveals record numbers of major businesses updating their non-discrimination policies and benefits packages well ahead of federal mandates,” HRC Foundation President Chad Griffin stated at the beginning of the 102-page Corporate Equality Index.
“Businesses across the South and Midwest — in states where legal equality is nonexistent — realize that enacting these policies help them to attract and retain the best and brightest LGBT workers. This year’s CEI includes over 45 new major businesses. By proactively participating in the CEI, these businesses stand to improve their reputations as employers of choice for LGBT and fair-minded workers,” he added.
From the report:
A total of 1,923 companies across the country received invitations to take part in the HRC survey. Of that number, 574 submitted surveys, and 734 were officially rated. Last year, a total of 1,848 businesses were sent invitations, 530 submitted surveys and 688 were rated.
Forty-seven businesses participated for the first time this year, increasing the total number of rated businesses.
Georgia companies scoring 100
Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta
Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta
King & Spalding LLP, Atlanta
SunTrust Banks Inc., Atlanta
Sutherland Asbil & Brennan LLP, Atlanta
Troutman Sanders LLP, Atlanta
How other Georgia companies scored
AFLAC Inc., Columbus — 75
Agco, Duluth — 15
Chamberlin Edmonds & Associates Inc., Atlanta — 40
Cox Enterprises, Atlanta — 90
Delta Air Lines Inc., Atlanta — 90
Earthlink Inc., Atlanta — 55
Genuine Parts Co., Atlanta — 15
The Home Depot Inc., Atlanta — 90
InterContinental Hotels Group Americas, Atlanta — 90
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Atlanta — 90
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, Atlanta — 80
Mirant Corp., Atlanta — 30
Mohawk Industries Inc., Calhoun — 35
NCR Corp., Duluth — 90
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., Atlanta — 85
Rock-Tenn Company, Norcross — 0
Southern Co., Atlanta — 45
United Parcel Service, Atlanta — 90