These Columbus area companies earned top ratings for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace

Columbus claims to provide support and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, and according to the 2022 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, Columbus’ dedication to allyship may just have been proven to be true.

Every year for the past 20 years, the Human Rights Campaign utilizes a national benchmarking tool, the Corporate Equality Index, to measure “corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.” They mainly focus on Fortune 500 businesses, AmLaw 200, and hundreds of other larger businesses that are both publicly or privately held.

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Out of the 56 Ohio-based companies reviewed, 28 of them scored a perfect 100, and 16 Columbus area companies received an 80 or above. 

Columbus area employers that scored a perfect rating of 100:
Abercrombie & Fitch: New Albany

Bath & Body Works: Columbus

Battelle Memorial Institute: Columbus

Cardinal Health: Dublin

Designer Brands: Columbus

Huntington Bancshares: Columbus

Nationwide: Columbus

Scotts Miracle Gro: Marysville

Victoria’s Secret & Co.: Columbus

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease: Columbus

Wendy’s Co.: Columbus

Other top scorers:
Alliance Data Systems: Columbus – 90/100

American Electric Power: Columbus – 95/100

Big Lots: Columbus – 90/100

Encova Insurance: Columbus – 80/100

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur: Columbus – 90/100

This Corporate Equality Index used four key pillars to score their ratings: nondiscrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility. The CEI report reflects verified, submitted data as well as independent research.

It’s worth noting that according to June’s Out Leadership’s LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, Ohio ranked 34th out of the 50 states for LGBTQ+ equality, failing with a score of 50.35%. 

Although Ohio as a whole might have some work to do when it comes to equality, Columbus corporations seem to be trying their best to foster an inclusive environment.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new June issue here!

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