Nestlé is proud to announce that two if its U.S. business units—Nestlé USA and Nestlé Health Science—received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. In recognition of meeting all the CEI's criteria, both Nestlé USA and Nestlé Health Science have also been honored with the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
“At Nestlé, success starts with our people, and we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that empowers everyone to grow and thrive every day,” said Judy Cascapera, Chief People Officer, Nestlé Zone North America. “Earning a top score on the Corporate Equality Index is a strong reflection of Nestlé’s work to drive LGBTQ+ equality and build an organization that draws strength and inspiration from our differences.”
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Nestlé USA has earned a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index and the fourth consecutive year that Nestlé Health Science has earned a score of 100. Both companies join the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants.
“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality. “Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking, and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool – a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families.”
Nestlé continues to build an inclusive culture for LGBTQ+ employees through progressive workplace policies, including equal marriage benefits, equal parental leave for biological and adoptive parents, and financial support for gender transition medical costs. The Nestlé Pride Alliance and other Employee Resources Groups are also helping the company to drive and maintain an inclusive culture.
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; and,
- Corporate social responsibility.
The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.