Human Rights Campaign Names Diageo as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality” for Ninth Consecutive Year

NORWALK, Conn., December 5, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, is proud to announce that it has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Diageo has been consistently placed among the “Best Places to Work” and recognized as a top company supporting equality for LGBT employees.  This is the ninth consecutive year Diageo has earned a perfect score on this index.

“At Diageo we value the diverse experiences and talents all of our employees bring to the table, and we strive to make our practices and policies reflect this commitment,” said Deirdre Mahlan, President, Diageo North America. “We are honored to again receive this designation from the Human Rights Campaign recognizing our dedication to the LGBT community.”

The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices, including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.  Through its ongoing efforts, Diageo met all benchmarks outlined by the Human Rights Campaign, resulting in a 100 percent ranking on the CEI and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality. 

“Through 15 editions of the annual Corporate Equality Index, major private sector employers have demonstrated over and over that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it makes for a stronger, more successful business,” said Deena Fidas, Director of HRC’s Workplace Equality Program. “From centuries-old companies to those that have existed for just a few years, major employers have adopted LGBT-inclusive policies and benefits at rates that continue to outpace lawmakers and lead the way forward.”

Diageo has been an early and active supporter of equal rights of all people, and actions include signing onto the U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which was successfully repealed. The company also has eight business resource groups (BRGs) that are all inclusive and are a resource to the company for recruitment, retention, employee engagement, innovation and community partnerships. They represent ethnicity, gender, LGBT, Sustainability and Career Development. Diageo’s Rainbow Network, the BRG for LGBT employees and allies, was one of the first BRGs at the company and remains one of its most active.

“I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes diversity and inclusion and firmly believes that when people can truly be themselves they lead happier and more productive lives, both at work and at home,” said Jeanine Dooley, a co-leader of Diageo’s Rainbow Network, and Director in Supply.  “The Rainbow Network, open to all Diageo employees regardless of their sexual orientation, is a testament to Diageo’s commitment to ensuring that we not only respect and value the contribution of LGBT employees, but that we also understand and value the wider LGBT community.”

Diageo has received multiple accolades celebrating the company’s culture of inclusion.  Most recently the company was listed among Diversity MBA’s “50 Out Front Companies for Diversity Leadership;” secured a spot on Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” list for the eighth consecutive year; was named a “Top Company for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives; and was recognized as one of the best places to work for new dads by Fatherly.  For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About The HRC Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

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