West Monroe once again receives perfect score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index

“We are proud to earn a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index for a second year in a row,” said Susan Stelter, West Monroe’s chief people officer. “At West Monroe, we are committed to continuing to build an inclusive and diverse environment, creating a safe space for our people to bring their whole selves to work, every day. Our award-winning culture wouldn’t be possible without all employees helping us evolve and grow as an organization.” 

West Monroe is among 1,271 major U.S. companies rated this year and one of 840 to receive a perfect score and designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. 

“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training. “We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to West Monroe for achieving the title of ‘best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality’ and working to advance inclusion in the workplace.”

WMPride, West Monroe’s LGBTQ employee resource group, was formed four years ago with the common goal to foster an inclusive work environment which actively reinforces diverse, non-discrimination policies, and inspires all West Monroe employees to be their authentic and genuine selves. Today, it has champions in each office and approximately 120 members, including allies. Among other areas of focus, the group works directly with company leaders to develop education and influence policy. Areas of focus include:

• Benefits and business practices: West Monroe has long provided healthcare benefits that support same sex partners and gender confirmation. More recently, the company made sure inclusivity was top of mind; for example, by providing gender-neutral restrooms, wellness rooms, and prayer rooms in three new office spaces.
• Education and training: The company has prioritized training and discussion around bias in the workplace as part of its Inclusion and Diversity program. In 2021, WMPride hosted an employee listening session on gender inclusion that offered a deeper understanding of transgender terminology as well as the challenges transgender peers face in the workplace.
• Community involvement and support: West Monroe supports LGBTQ community organizations in its markets through donations, volunteerism, and pro bono work. Key partnerships include Howard Brown Health and Center on Halsted in Chicago; Carlson School of Management Compass in Minneapolis; and GBSA, Washington State’s LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce. Additionally, West Monroe has reviewed and updated corporate giving policies to avoid directing corporate support to organizations whose primary mission includes advocacy against LGBTQ equality.

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 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.

View the full report here.