Health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) has bagged a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for 2021 and a tag of the ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality’. The organization is among 768 major US businesses that scored the perfect CEI marks this year. The CEI has been measuring corporate policies and practices concerning LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace since 2002.
- According to the latest CEI ratings, as many as 1,142 US-based companies have adopted LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the country. Besides, 57% of the CEI-rated multinational organizations are also advocating the inclusion of LGBTQ+ in workplaces abroad.
- The companies on the equality index are rated on four broad parameters:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture
- Corporate social responsibility
- Dr. Craig Samitt, president and CEO at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota said: “By making diversity, equity and inclusion a top priority in advancing our workplace culture, we are highlighting Blue Cross as a place where everyone can bring their true, authentic selves to their roles and make our company a better place to work. Our commitment to our LGBTQ+ associates and members is paramount as we continue to strive for true racial and health equity across all communities.”
- Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David said that many businesses stepped up and “continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality” despite an “unimaginable impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling 2020 an “unprecedented year”, David said, “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways.”