Staples, Inc. received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The Framingham, Massachusetts-company participates in the promotional products industry as distributor Staples Promotional Products (PPAI 108945).
The company features a range of Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), including Out At Work, a collection of associates supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender associates, who sponsor in-house social and networking activities, partner with local LGBTQ charities, and volunteer at community activities. Out At Work hosts their biggest event in October for National Coming Out Day where the group rallies the Staples community to come together and have a conversation about LGBTQ issues. An annual “Bowling Against Bullying” outing is also held to raise funds for local charities.
“Our perfect score for the eighth year running represents Staples’ commitment to equality and an inclusive culture that enables our associates to thrive at work,” says Amy Lang, vice president, HR global talent management. “We respect and embrace the diversity within our workforce and celebrate the differences among us that foster an innovative and creative environment to drive business results.”
The 2018 CEI rated 947 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. Staples’ efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
