The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) named global design manufacturer Herman Miller, Inc. among a select group of U.S. companies to receive a perfect score on its 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This is Herman Miller’s 13th consecutive year with a perfect score on the national benchmarking survey administered by HRC on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
“Herman Miller is extremely proud to receive a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index for the 13th consecutive year. This honor recognizes our longstanding commitment to workplace equality and inclusion. We know from experience that building an inclusive corporate culture filled with diverse people and perspectives has made us a stronger company. But most importantly, creating an equitable world is the right thing to do,” said Andi Owen, CEO, Herman Miller.
Owen and Herman Miller have been proud supporters of LGBTQ rights in Michigan and recently joined the Fair and Equal Michigan coalition of companies including Apple, DTE Energy, and Consumers Energy to file petition language with the Secretary of State's office seeking to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for the LGBTQ community. The coalition has gained national attention.
Herman Miller also launched in 2007 its LGBTQ Inclusiveness Resource Team (IRT), one of 12 global IRTs that develop and implement initiatives to benefit employees and help the company meet its business objectives. Specifically, the LGBTQ IRT advocates for LGBTQ employees in the workplace and works to promote Herman Miller’s inclusiveness and diversity efforts within its communities and the marketplace.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to creating an equitable environment for all employees so they can contribute to their fullest,” said Leander LeSure, Chief Human Resources Officer at Herman Miller. “A diverse and inclusive workplace enables us to attract, develop, and retain the best global talent and deliver innovative products and services to our customers.”
The 2020 CEI rated 1,059 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Of those surveyed, Herman Miller is one of 680 companies nationwide to receive a 100 percent rating and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ equality.