June marks the yearly celebration of Pride Month, where people all around the world unite to recognize the impact of the LGBT Community and celebrate diversity. It is especially important that we, as companies pay attention to the importance of inclusivity.

Ensuring an inclusive environment at any workplace is essential, as all employees should feel accepted and included in any community regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. This idea needs to be implemented not only from a social point of view but also from a cultural aspect. Inclusivity creates trust, innovation and ultimately contributes to the growth of the business.

In honor of Pride Month, we decided to list this year’s biggest LGBT Inclusive Consulting Firms in the USA.

According to the Corporate Equality Index 2O19, 47 Firms in the USA are rated as the top scoring companies in the field of Consultancy, who establish equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees.

What is The Corporate Equality Index?

The Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is an annual report that measures firms on how they implement corporate policies and practices in order to achieve workplace equality for LGBT employees. The main source of data is obtained through surveys, the companies’ business policies and their implications regarding LGBT workers as well as their public records. The Index rates companies on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the “10 principles” criteria of the Equality Project.



How to implement Corporate Equality in Workplaces

The most fundamental aspect of the Corporate Equality Index is the workplaces’ non-discrimination protection towards employees according to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Those firms who consider this focus an essential part of their processes aim to put this philosophy into their everyday working practice.

LGBT inclusive policies and methods can include applying domestic partner benefits, gender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.



Why is it beneficial for the workplace?

Policies that contribute to workforce equity and inclusion create equal opportunity for all employees and a diverse talent acquisition as a result. It generates economic growth and allows the employer to be up to date with legalities and the public scene. The policies also do not require extensive upfront costs. The protection of LGBT employees does not only serve as an act of acceptance, it also contributes to the development of the business.

The HRC Foundation provides studies aimed to make the LGBT inclusion methods and policies a significant part of any workplaces’ everyday practice. To raise awareness to the issues that can arise, the Foundation released A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide.

It’s important to mention, that 46% of LGBTQ employees do not feel comfortable to be open about their sexual orientation at their workplace. In order to go beyond just inclusive policies the employer needs to be aware of the practices they can utilise to both their company’s and the employee’s advantage.

What makes the top scoring firms stand out?

What differentiates them from other companies is that they go beyond implementing policies and work towards creating a culture of inclusion.

While equitable practices and benefits provide the necessary foundation for LGBT equality, there is a range of programs that the employer can utilise to provide better interpersonal improvement to the employees. These include LGBT metrics, evaluation mechanisms, diversity training programs, as well as gender transition guidelines.

In order to fulfil the criteria, employers must show at least three types of organizational competency programming to ensure that the climate of inclusion is preserved. Invisible diversity is apparent, therefore requirement for unique training focus and safe space programs becomes essential. It is important to note that retaining employees relies largely on their social well-being in the work atmosphere.



Rating of the Top LGBT inclusive Consulting Firms

The top scoring companies in the Consultancy field were rated on 4 criteria.

First of all, they were rated on their Workforce Protection, meaning their policies include sexual orientation and gender identity for all operations.



Secondly, these firms’ employees are provided Inclusive Benefits by the company. They maintain equivalency in same- and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits. They provide equal health coverage for transgender individuals without excluding neccessary medical care. Diversity programs, diversity council, internal LGBT training and education are also implemented.



The third aspect is Supporting an Inclusive Culture & Corporate Social Responsibility. The firms show commitment to diversity and cultural competency. As a result, they include training that informs about gender identity and sexual orientation, its integration in professional development, skills-based or other leadership training.



Also, gender transition guidelines with supportive restroom, dress code and documentation guidance is provided for employees. Efforts of outreach or engagement to broader LGBT Community is demonstrated by these firms, which includes marketing or advertising to LGBT consumers (advertising LGBT content, media, sponsoring LGBT organizations and events). Philanthropic support of LGBT organization or event is shown through financial, kind or pro bono support.



Lastly, the fourth criteria considers Responsible citizenship, meaning that there is no large-scale official or public anti-LGBTQ blemish on the company’s recent records.

It’s important to mention, that not only do these firms fixate the mentioned policies and practices on employees in the USA, but they also aim to extend their focus to global operations that support the LGBT community.

List of the Top LGBT inclusive Consulting Firms



1. Accenture

Accenture gained recognition as a corporate leader that supports LGBT employees and the broader community. Their LGBT Ally Program is seen as an applicable practice and has been replicated in other organizations.

2. Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has consecutively earned a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), and was therefore regarded as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”

3. EY

EY has been recognized for their leadership in creating a work environment that is supportive of LGBT professionals. Their network called Unity was created for LGBT professionals and their straight allies.

4. McKinsey & Company

GLAM is a worldwide network of LGBTQ colleagues at McKinsey consisting of succesfull individuals whose ongoing objective is to attract more talented LGBTQ employees into the McKinsey community.

5. Bain & Company

Bain & Company is committed to unite the top skilled LGBT+ talent and provides genereous amount of resources to retain their diverse set of employees.

6. KPMG

In 2003, KPMG‘s [email protected] network was established to enhance the recruitment, retention and career development of the firm’s LGBT partners and employees.

7. Booz Allen Hamilton

This year, Booz Allen Hamilton celebrates the 20th anniversary of GLOBE, their LGBT employee forum. They have fueled professional development opportunities for the LGBT community and spread their commitment to equality.

8. IBM

IBM started including sexual orientation as part of their policy more than 30 years ago. Ever since then they have been extending domestic partner benefits to LGBT employees. Today, they provide their LGBT work community with professional and family support.

9. A. T. Kearney

A.T. Kearney‘s mission is to attract top LGBT talent, address the distinctive needs of LGBT employees, and connect with them on a personal level. Their global network Proud focuses on recruiting, and developing LGBT talent.

10. AON

AON‘s aim is to create a diverse, inclusive workplace culture. In 2014 they launched a “Safe Space” program for LGBT employees, where there is no tolerance for anti-LGBT violence.

Check the interactive map

Wonder where the companies are located? Check the interactive map below and see for yourself. You can also check the map here.

Full list of companies

Conclusion

Providing equal opportunities for all employees is an essential factor that every firm should consider. Implementing Corporate Equality helps ensure an inclusive environment for the LGBT community as well as connects people all around.



We hope that our list helped you gain understanding on the importance of LGBT Inclusion. We found that these Consulting firms embody Corporate Equality on a level that sets the standard for all firms to be inclusive towards employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Do you agree with our list? Did this article help you gain insight on the topic of LGBT Equality and Corporate Inclusivity? We would love to hear your opinion in the comment section.