For LGBTQ employees, true workplace equality can still be difficult to find. And as a job seeker, you want to know if a prospective employer will have your best interests at heart. So how can you tell if a company backs up their rainbow social media posts with action? We checked in with The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the United States.
The companies on this list have a 100% rating on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index or meet the criteria outlined in the index, which is considered the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees. For example, all the companies here have equivalent benefits for same-sex and different-sex partner benefits; offer equal health coverage for transgender individuals; have policies and training that actively promote LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace; and actively engage the greater LBGTQ community through recruiting, advocacy, and social responsibility initiatives—among many other criteria.
If finding an employer that truly promotes LGBTQ equality is a crucial factor in your job search, you should take a closer look at the companies below.
1. Palo Alto Networks
At Palo Alto Networks, employees are winning the battle against cybersecurity threats. The organization drives an innovative vision of prevention different from anywhere else—forcing the industry, and the world, to change the way it thinks about protection. With a culture that embraces authenticity, collaboration, and ground-breaking innovation, the team at Palo Alto Networks is unlike any other in the world as it protects the digital way of life.
Receiving a score of 100 on the HRC doesn’t mean they’ll stop! Palo Alto Networks continues to be proactive about engaging and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with their employees. They’ve implemented gender-neutral bathrooms, inclusive surrogacy benefits, and their LGBTQIA+ Employee Network connects employees and engages with the community. Each year, they walk in the Silicon Valley Pride Parade, work with the Billy DeFrank Center, and sponsor Lesbians Who Tech to recruit for their future PAN-mily.
2. Charles Schwab
Financial services can be complicated. Charles Schwab is trying to fix that. They have a history of challenging the status quo and innovating in ways that help individuals create a better tomorrow. Their purpose is to champion every client’s goals with passion and integrity, empowering them to take ownership of their financial future at every income level and life stage.
For 15 years in a row, Schwab is proud to be named one of the best places to work for LGBTQ equality in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. This recognition is testament to Schwab’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone—of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—feels valued. Long before this recognition, Schwab has been dedicated to doing the right thing for their clients and employees with passion and integrity.
3. Clearlink
Clearlink, a SYKES company, is an award-winning digital marketing, sales conversion, and technology company headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. A trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies since 2003, Clearlink delivers intuitive, engaging experiences throughout the customer journey to connect consumers with its brand partners. The company’s people-focused culture has been recognized internationally for strong leadership, business growth, innovative employee initiatives, and corporate social responsibility.
4. Broadridge
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), is a global Fintech leader, delivering technology-driven solutions that drive digital transformation for banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. At Broadridge, we are committed to making a difference. Our unique culture is guided by the Service-Profit Chain—the idea that success is mutual, directly connecting employee engagement, client satisfaction, and the creation of stockholder value. We enable better financial lives by providing the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance and communications. A certified Great Place to Work®, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500® Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries.
5. Kohl's
Our purpose at Kohl's is to take care of families' realest moments. Kohl’s is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. Kohl's business is built on a solid foundation of more than 60 million customers, a balanced brand portfolio, industry-leading loyalty and Kohl's Card programs, a convenient and accessible nationwide store footprint, and large digital business on Kohls.com and the Kohl's mobile app. To learn more about Kohl’s strategy, visit our Investor Relations page.
6. Capital One
We’re working on some bold, transformative things—like changing banking for good. What’s in it for you? A career surrounded by brilliant minds. People from different backgrounds, experiences, and education levels. Coming together to create a sense of belonging. Supporting you where you are and where you want to be. That’s life at Capital One.
Here at The Muse, we partner with a lot of great companies to bring you insider looks at their offices and awesome job listings. These employers pay us to be featured on the site, but these Muse-worthy brands made this list not just because they want to be included, but because their culture, policies, and employee feedback showed us that they deserve to be.
Think your company should be on a list like this? Learn more and get in touch!