IHG® Celebrates Seventh Straight Year as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality

Company Scores Top Marks Again on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s  Annual Corporate Equality Index 

IHG^® Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has earned a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and been recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality for the seventh year in a row. 

The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. 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. 

Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, said: While the past 12 months have presented the hospitality industry with uncertainty and extraordinary challenges, IHG remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity and promoting a welcoming environment where all colleagues feel seen, heard and respected. This culture of belonging, which extends to colleagues at all levels, will continue to be at the heart of how we operate, serving guests and driving positive change in our communities. We are proud to stand with likeminded organizations that share our commitment to prioritizing inclusion and equality.”

Alphonso David, President, Human Rights Campaign, said: “From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality. This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”

IHG continues to further a culture of inclusion through key initiatives around the world:

• Building on existing Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, in June, IHG announced a series of commitments in the Americas to drive more meaningful progress – both within the company and the communities in which it operates.

• In Georgia, home to the company’s Americas headquarters, IHG joined a business community coalition to advocate for the passage of Georgia’s Hate Crime Bill – a measure which was signed into law in June. 

• Teams around the world came together for virtual Pride festivities this year, such as regional happy hour and trivia celebrations, a brainstorming session hosted by the Americas Out & Open employee resource group where colleagues shared their insights about LGBTQ+ travel as part of input to hotel recovery toolkits, and a digital presence at the 50th annual Atlanta Pride Festival in October.

• In November, the company kicked off its first annual Inclusion Week in the Americas region, a week of D&I-focused virtual events where colleagues had an opportunity to engage with Employee Resource Groups, learn from keynote and panel discussions and build deeper connections with colleagues through interactive activities. 

IHG is a proud signatory to the UN LGBTI Standards for Business, CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, The Valuable 500, Women in Hospitality’s Diversity in Hospitality Travel and Leisure Charter and The 30% Club, and continues to engage with efforts to support representation and inclusion for all underrepresented communities as a member of the National Diversity Council and the Georgia Diversity Council.

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses. 

For more information on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index, and to download the full report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.