Kimberly-Clark Achieves Top Score on Corporate Equality Index, Consolidating Leadership in LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes the company with the "Equality 100 Award" for its ongoing commitment to inclusive policies, reaffirming its leadership in a diverse and supportive work environment
Kimberly-Clark has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), standing out as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. The company, by meeting all CEI criteria, has been honored with the prestigious “Equality 100 Award.” This assessment, considered the most important in the country, focuses on corporate policies and practices related to equality in the workplace.
Sandi Karrmann Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer sai, “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our leadership in LGBTQ+ inclusion,”. “As a company, we are committed to building a more inclusive global environment. It’s a central aspect of our caring culture and our purpose of Better Care for a Better World.”
The CEI evaluates companies on various criteria, such as non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, support for an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility. It is worth noting that Kimberly-Clark had already obtained the CEI’s top score in 2022.
RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality, said “For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” “Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking, and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool – a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families.”
The company has received outstanding workplace recognition this year, being highlighted by Newsweek and Seramount for its excellence in diversity and multicultural women. It was also recognized by US News & World Report and Forbes as one of the best companies to work for and global employers, respectively.
