ATLANTA- Jan. 28, 2021-- Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: NWL) proudly announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Newell Brands joins the ranks of 767 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
Ravi Saligram, President & CEO, stated, “Newell Brands is thrilled to receive this designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Our mission at Newell Brands is to create an environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work. It is our responsibility to provide our employees with a safe atmosphere and the benefits needed to support their lives and their families, regardless of their race, color, age, sexual preference, religion, gender identity, etc., so they can thrive and reach their fullest potential. Our people are our greatest asset and when you have diverse voices and thoughts, business innovation is at its best and drives our stakeholder value and overall success.”
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”
The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad.
The programming at Newell Brands and the company’s efforts in satisfying the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Newell Brands celebrated the launch of OPEN, an employee resource group for the LGBTQ community that is driving company programming and virtual events and offers inclusive benefits offerings for diverse employee and family needs. Newell Brands has a partnership with Catalyst, a global nonprofit that helps companies accelerate progress for underrepresented groups at work and recently launched LGTBQ marketing for some of the company’s brands.
The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families;
Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
Corporate social responsibility.
The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.
About The Human Rights Campaign
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.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid®, Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Mapa®, Spontex® and Yankee Candle®. Newell Brands is committed to enhancing the lives of consumers around the world with planet friendly, innovative and attractive products that create moments of joy and provide peace of mind.
This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands.com.
Media: Danielle Clark Senior Manager, External Communications +1 (404) 783-0419 danielle.clark@newellco.com