Herman Miller Repeats Perfect Score in Corporate Equality Index Ranking

Herman Miller, Inc., has received the top rating of 100% for a second consecutive year in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s seventh annual Corporate Equality Index. The company is one of 259 major U.S. businesses, and the only one in its industry, to gain the 100% ranking for treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers.

Michael Ramirez, Herman Miller’s director of corporate social responsibility, attributes the company’s top score to its commitment to inclusiveness and diversity at every level. “From leading the way with our award winning supplier diversity program to increasing awareness among employees, our goal is to create a community where all expressions of human talent and potential are valued.”

The Corporate Equality Index, which this year rated 583 businesses, measures the extent to which employers protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees. Ratings are based on factors including non discrimination policies, diversity training, and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees.

“The 2009 Corporate Equality Index shows that corporate America understands that a diverse workforce is critical to remaining successful and competitive” said HRC Foundation president Joe Solmonese. “In the absence of a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, it is up to employers to take the lead and implement policies that ensure all their employees are protected.”