Leading global consulting firm AT Kearney has been awarded with a perfect score of 100 in the 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) in the US.
The CEI - produced by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation - is a national benchmark on corporate policies and practices in relation to workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.
AT Kearney has achieved full marks for the last six years, even though the criteria for a perfect score gets tougher every time the CEI is produced.
The company believes the score is testament to its efforts to support diversity in the workplace and says that it strives to create an inclusive culture through a host of networks, including the Gay And Lesbian Alliance (GALA), which is a group for LGBT employees and their allies.
As part of AT Kearney's continuous recruitment programmes at universities, GALA sponsors and participates in diversity events to build relationships with LGBT students . The organisation also works with the consulting firm's leaders and human resources department to develop policies to support this demographic in the workplace.
GALA and AT Kearney collaborate to create and support a work environment that allows employees to be themselves, feel appreciated, develop professionally and advance their careers.
Johan Aurik, managing partner and chairman of the board at the consulting firm, commented: "We strive hard to ensure that all our people can be themselves and have equal opportunities to develop and succeed irrespective of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
"A perfect score on the CEI for six consecutive years is a great recognition of our efforts and commitment on this front."
Vidur Bhandari, a principal with AT Kearney and the lead for GALA in North America, added that diversity is at the core of the culture and values of the firm because it can improve the richness and quality of the solutions developed for clients, and it lends authenticity to the firm in the eyes of the public.
"You can only be authentic if you are comfortable bringing your whole self to work," he concluded.
The 2015 CEI rated 781 US-based businesses, evaluating LGBT-related policies and practices, including non-discrimination workplace protections and transgender-inclusive health care benefits. AT Kearney met all of the criteria outlined by the CEI, resulting in a score of 100 and the title of 'Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality'.
Search Mindbench.com for the latest management consultancy jobs and consulting recruitment opportunities or contact us on +44(0)207 089 9017