By Susan Bennett and Evan Swidler, IRI

Most of us have heard the adage that “doing good is good for business.” There are dozens of studies that prove equality, diversity and inclusion at work are good for the bottom line. But that’s not the only reason why companies should actively take steps to ensure a fair and equitable workplace.

We’re in a new era — one of transparency, responsibility and accountability. Consumers and employees expect more from the companies they buy from and work for — and they should.

Whether or not creating a diverse and inclusive workplace really has an impact on the bottom line (and we believe it does), it’s still the right thing to do. 

IRI has just been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In addition to this prestigious designation, we earned a 100% perfect score in HRC’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index, which is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to the LGBTQ community. Demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQ equality was necessary for inclusion in the corporate equality index. Companies were scored on items such as:

• Workforce protection.
• Inclusive health care and other benefits.
• Supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.
• Responsible citizenship.

HRC and other organizations are at the forefront of informing companies on LGBTQ rights, and we look to them and other experts to ensure that our policies and practices are continually evolving to meet our employees’ needs. When we provide a safe and equitable workplace, our employees know they matter to us. It helps them do their best work for our clients, rather than worrying about hiding their sexual orientation from their manager and colleagues or whether their health insurance will really cover their spouse or domestic partner.

IRI is also proud to have joined the Business Coalition for the Equality Act. This coalition of U.S. corporations publicly supports the Equality Act, federal legislation that would provide the same basic protections to LGBTQ people as are provided to other protected groups under federal law.

The Equality Act creates clear, consistent protections to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, ensuring that LGBTQ employees are hired, fired and promoted based on their performance. In addition, the bill provides protections from discrimination for LGBTQ people in housing, credit and jury service. The bill would also prohibit discrimination in public accommodations and federal funding on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

A list of participating companies, including several of our clients, can be found here.

Supporting our employees is a major priority for us at IRI, and we will continue to provide a workplace of inclusivity and equality for all of our staff and their families. For us, a fair and equal workplace is not only good for the bottom line and a positive working environment, it’s also good for humanity.