In honor of Pride Month, here are several companies that are actually putting in the work to provide equality for queer folks while on and off the clock.
1) Adobe
For employees at Adobe, there are many Employee Resource Groups available, and groups like Adobe Proud were made specifically for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. The company also created an initiative called “Adobe For All” which includes a summit dedicated to inclusion and diversity. Adobe attends a plethora of Pride events including (but certainly not limited to) marches, fundraising events, panel discussions, conferences, and networking events. This employer has donated thousands of dollars to LGBTQ+ charities and has won multiple awards related to their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
2) PayPal
PayPal received a perfect score on the HCR’s Corporate Equality Index for the tenth year in a row and they offer many health benefits for their LGBTQ+ employees. To prove their loyalty to their LGBTQ+ workers and customers, PayPal cancelled its plan to relocate to Charlottesville, NC in 2016 after the state passed bills which discriminated against LGBTQ+ people. This company instead supported the Equality Act, which supported non-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community. They also have a PayPal Pride network which is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.
3) Salesforce
Salesforce created an Employee Resource Group called Outforce which was built to educate employees on LGBTQ+ communities and to create a safe space for people within those communities to come together. This employer has won multiple awards because of their accepting company culture and their strong commitment to diversity. Salesforce is committed to creating a workforce that reflects society, and that goal seems to be working since almost half of their employees are made up of minority groups. By 2023 the company wants to have at least half of their employees come from underrepresented groups.
4) Apple
Apple created an Employee Resource Group called Pride@Apple for its LGBTQ+ community, and this company has a very outspoken CEO who is a member of that ERG. Tim Cook is the company’s CEO and he says that he understands the struggles that comes with being a part of a minority. Cook campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights and he has received awards for his admirable efforts. Barbara Whye is the VP of Inclusion and Diversity at Apple and she says that diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of the Apple community, both at the headquarters or globally.
5) IBM
IBM has been campaigning for diversity and inclusion within their company since 1984 when they included sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy. In 1996 they started providing Domestic Partner Benefits, and in 2002 they added “gender identity or expression” to its Equal Opportunity Policy. IBM also created a business development team that is focused on the LGBTQ+ community in 2001. This company also partners with many LGBTQ+ organizations, has an LGBTQ+ Council, documents their history with the LGBTQ+ community on their website, and is working to end HIV discrimination in the workplace.
6) Microsoft
Microsoft has created Pride products, donated to LGBTQ+ charities, and has included sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies since 1989. They also created an Employee Resource Group called GLEAM which was made to support their LGBTQ+ employees. Microsoft has received a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for the past 17 years and they have donated over $2 million to LGBTQ+ charities. Employees at Microsoft are given networking opportunities, education promotion, support, external outreach to nonprofits, and advocacy.
7) Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson created an Employee Resource Group called Open&Out. This ERG was created to provide a safe place for their employees within the LGBTQ+ community to enforce their identity and share their experiences. Zachary Langway, the Communications Leader of Open&Out, says that when employees can be their authentic selves then they have greater enthusiasm and energy. Johnson & Johnson also offers extensive health benefits for LGBTQ+ employees, which has been proven by employee testimonials.
Written By
Madeline Thomas
Writing intern at Hired By, Ohio University student studying journalism and music production/industry recording, and writer for Odyssey Online.
HiredBy
See which companies are hiring, learn from current employees, find a job, and interact & ask questions about open job roles.
