It’s been a fast-paced year in the private sector. Since we released “The State of the Workplace 2007–2008” in February 2009, employers from every sector and geographic area have added inclusive non-discrimination policies and benefits.
To kick off the week in which the Employment Non-Discrimination Act will be considered in the House Education & Labor Committee (more on that later on HRC Back Story), here are the updated total numbers of Fortune*and AmLaw-ranked businesses and law firms.
Protections based on gender identity have seen the biggest gains:
More than 2/5 of the Fortune 500 (41%) and 1/4 of the Fortune 1000 (25%) now have policies protecting transgender employees from discrimination, compared to 35% and 21%, respectively, at the end of 2008.
More than 1/2 of the AmLaw 200 (56%) has policies protecting transgender employees from discrimination, compared to 45% at the end of 2008.
Businesses may be headquartered in one state but still have significant operations in others (think about the reach of Fort Worth-based American Airlines or Atlanta-based UPS). In short, businesses that have inclusive non-discrimination policies are everywhere – they make sense, and they work. That sends a strong message to legislators everywhere.
Policy to Practice
Of course, policies alone don’t ensure employees are safe and comfortable at work – businesses still need to take steps to ensure equitable treatment of LGBT workers. Look for our release of “Degrees of Equality: A National Study of Workplace Climate for LGBT Employees” tomorrow, as our “Policy to Practice” series continues.
*Fortune numbers based on the Fortune Magazine rankings released April 2008. Results for the rankings released April 2009 will be included in the State of the Workplace 2009 report.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
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Policy to Practice
