“At Nestlé, success starts with our people, and we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that empowers everyone to grow and thrive every day,” said Judy Cascapera, chief people officer, Nestlé Zone North America. “Earning a top score on the Corporate Equality Index is a strong reflection of Nestlé’s work to drive LGBTQ+ equality and build an organization that draws strength and inspiration from our differences.”

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Nestlé USA has earned a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index and the fourth consecutive year that Nestlé Health Science has earned a score of 100. Both companies join the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants. 

“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,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality. “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.” 

Photo courtesy of Nestlé.