Human Rights Campaign names Diageo “Best Place To Work”
A company as large as Diageo employs people from many different backgrounds, and we value enormously the strength such diversity brings to our business. In line with our values, we believe it’s essential to make sure that all those people feel appreciated, at home and at ease. That’s why Diageo was particularly pleased to be awarded a 100% perfect score by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in relation to our treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) employees.
Each year large companies across the United States are rated by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for their actions in relation to the LGBT community. With a perfect score of 100 for the third year in a row, Diageo was again recognised as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ and listed as one of the top companies that support equality for LGBT employees.
‘Our mission to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment, and our recognition from the HRC for the third year running demonstrates that we have been successful in cultivating an environment in which employees feel free to be who they are,’ said Ivan Menezes, President and CEO, Diageo North America. ‘As a company, we strive to make employees feel comfortable, with any kind of background or lifestyle. We celebrate all of our people here at Diageo, and we continue to consciously aim to build a culture reflective of that intention.’
This prestigious award owes much to internal campaigning by Diageo. Our Senior Vice President of Innovation, Neil Tallantire, is also the head of Diageo’s Rainbow Network for LGBT employees, which has active groups in America, London and Amsterdam. ‘I experience Diageo’s commitment to diversity every day,’ he explained, adding that he was ‘very proud’ to be a part of a company that grants him the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of his colleagues.
Diageo’s high scores also earned spots for several of our brands in the highest ‘buy’ category within the annual HRC Buying Guide. Based on the company’s support of its LGBT employees and community, the Guide recommends Diageo brands to LGBT consumers.