InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the third consecutive year and has been named a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, The Americas, IHG, said: “As a global hotel company, we deliver true hospitality to a rich diversity of guests every day, and we believe in creating that same welcoming environment for all of our colleagues. Our perfect score is a testament to this commitment, and we are very proud to again be honored and recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.”
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. IHG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is recognized by the 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
IHG champions equality for LGBT citizens, guests and colleagues as part of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all. IHG has supported the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as well as the campaign to enact the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which codifies in U.S. law a set of policies that IHG currently abides by as a company. As part of the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Coalition for Equality, IHG is one of 60 major companies that have officially endorsed the bipartisan Equality Act, which would provide the same basic protections to LGBT individuals as are provided to other protected groups under federal law, in employment, housing, education and public services. Additionally, IHG has taken a leadership stance in working with legislatures at the state level, encouraging an environment that is friendly to business and welcoming to all.
With its Americas headquarters based in Atlanta, IHG has been dedicated to the advancement of the LGBT community on a local level by sponsoring Atlanta Pride and supporting the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. IHG is also a member of Georgia Prospers, a partnership of business leaders committed to a prosperous Georgia that welcomes all people. Additionally, approximately 70 colleagues in Atlanta are members of the IHG Out and Open Employee Resource Group.