MADISON, Wis.– University of Wisconsin Credit Union is reporting it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report that measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. The credit union is now among 840 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
“This recognition demonstrates that UW Credit Union employees who identify as LGBTQ+ are part of an inclusive community that encourages and celebrates their individuality, said Rob Van Nevel, EVP & chief operating officer at UWCU and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “It highlights our credit union’s ongoing efforts to create a workplace environment where all employees are valued, respected and have the support they need to thrive. Witnessing this change firsthand is gratifying on many levels. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we accept people’s differences and work as one.”
Insights into Results
The results of the 2022 CEI showcase how 1,271 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 56% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad. UW Credit Union said its efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100% ranking and the designation as one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality."
In 2002, the first year of the CEI, UWCU reported only 13 companies achieved a top-score, demonstrating the incredible impact the CEI has had on the business world over its 20-year life.
“This year’s CEI reflects growth across every measurement category, from the adoption of inclusive non-discrimination policies to equitable healthcare benefits for transgender employees,” UWCU stated.
‘Crucial Protections’
The CEI rates employers “providing these crucial protections” to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million abroad, the credit union added. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200) and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
According to UWCU, the CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture
- Corporate social responsibility
‘Thrive and Live Authentically’
“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign senior vice president of Programs, Research and Training. “We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to UW Credit Union for achieving the title of ‘best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality’ and working to advance inclusion in the workplace.”
The $4.6-billion UWCU has more than 300,000 members.
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