Stonewall Announces Top Global Workplaces for LGBTQ+ Staff

Stonewall Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ charity, has announced the latest results of its ground-breaking Global Workplace Equality Index – a voluntary benchmarking tool that helps multinational employers measure their progress in supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion at work.

Criteria for bronze, silver and gold awards cover seven essential sections of inclusive practices, including workplace policy, inclusion of LGBTQ+ employee network groups, supporting talent and development of LGBTQ+ staff, safe travel policies, supply chain vetting, human rights work, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

At a time when Governments across the world are rolling back LGBTQ+ people’s rights, the role of businesses in championing the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ communities couldn’t be more important.

The work that employers are doing include vital community engagement initiatives that educate leaders and stakeholders on how to champion LGBTQ+ communities and their rights, both within the workplace, and externally. At global law firm Dentons, who received a Gold award, the firm responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by partnering with Polish charity, Equaversity, to ensure trans and HIV-positive Ukrainians had access to medical supplies, and to support trans and non-binary Ukrainians to safely leave the country. Dentons commitment and courage in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, helped many LGBTQ+ Ukrainians live safer, healthier and more comfortable lives, even as the war continues.

Since last year’s awards, 35 per cent of returning entrants scored higher than previously – showing marked improvement in the ways in which they supported their LGBTQ+ staff.

The full list this year can be found here, as well as further information on why inclusion at work matters, and the criteria used for the awards.

Leanne MacMillan, Director of Global at Stonewall, (she/her) said: ‘We’re delighted to announce this year’s Global Workplace Equality Index as we recognise the incredible work that workplaces across the globe do to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion at work and to advocate for better protection. Inclusive workplaces are vital in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in an increasingly divided and hostile world, where LGBTQ+ lives are under increasing threat and scrutiny.

‘By ensuring that LGBTQ+ staff are free to thrive as themselves these employers are helping create a safer and more inclusive world. We’re proud to recognise and celebrate their achievements.‘