Subaru Earns Top Marks In 2019 Corporate Equality Index

June 5, 2019 by Subaru

Automaker Scores 100 Percent for Third Consecutive Year on Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Annual Scorecard on LGBTQ Workplace Equality

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that for the third year running, the company has received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Subaru joins the ranks of major U.S. businesses that also earned top scores this year.

'At Subaru, we are proud of our efforts to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all of our employees,' said Peggy Verdi, Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, Subaru of America, Inc. 'We believe strongly in a workplace that fosters diversity and inclusion in each facet of corporate life and are honored that our work in this arena has earned us recognition from the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the third year in a row.'

The 2019 CEI 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. The automaker's efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Subaru of America, Inc. has five employee resource groups (ERGs) which contribute to the Subaru Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion business strategy through their support of the Subaru Love Promise both internally and in the community. The mission of Out+Ally, the first ERG established at Subaru of America, is to create a network of LGBTQ+ employees and straight allies that strives to establish community, support, and resources to create a stronger workplace and a more engaged customer base. According to a 2018 report by the HRC, nearly half of LGBTQ employees in the U.S. are closeted at work.

'One of the core goals of the Out+Ally ERG is to foster a work environment where LGBTQ+ individuals feel comfortable bringing their whole authentic self to work,' said Joseph Pawlicki, co-founder of Out+Ally. 'Subaru's achievement of this perfect score creates a strong platform for us to deliver on this goal and continue our efforts for an even greater work culture.'

For more information on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.