Pharma in top 10 industries for LGBT workplace equality

887 US businesses were assessed by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index in the six core areas of human resources, diversity, staffing, legal counsel, marketing and communications and corporate giving for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

517 companies were awarded the full 100 points, including Astellas, which has achieved the full 100 points for three years in a row now, and was recognised for its Together As One (TAO) employee resource group and partnership with the Trevor Project, a suicide hotline for LBGTQ youth.

Linda Friedman, Astellas’ senior vice president, general counsel and TAO executive sponsor, said: “We are honoured that the Human Rights Campaign has recognised Astellas with a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year. Astellas is committed to being an industry leader for diversity inclusion of all employees, and this recognition highlights that commitment.”

Deena Fidas, director of HRC’s Workplace Equality Program, said: “Through 15 editions of the annual Corporate Equality Index, major private sector employers have demonstrated over and over that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it makes for a stronger, more successful business. From centuries-old companies to those that have existed for just a few years, major employers have adopted LBGT-inclusive policies and benefits at rates that continue to outpace lawmakers and lead the way forward.”