Giant Eagle lauded for LGBTQ workplace policies

Giant Eagle was named tops in corporate policies related to LGBTQ workplace quality, in part for its equitable benefits and fostering an inclusive culture, according to a national benchmarking survey.

The O’Hara-based company earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

“We are fiercely committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and diverse work environment,” said Jeremy Shapira, the company’s chief inclusion, equity and diversity officer.

The CEI rates companies on criteria that include nondiscrimination policies and corporate social responsibility. In all, there were 767 companies designated the best places to work for equality.

.@HRC’s #CEI2021 rates companies on:

?Nondiscrimination policies
?Employment benefits
?Responsible citizenship
?️‍?Supporting an inclusive culture, including public commitment to LGBTQ equality

See where employers scored ⬇️ https://t.co/OyuSvwqdyh

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 31, 2021

Giant Eagle employs more than 34,000 people across five states.

While the score indicates a welcome work environment, Shapira urged employees to share their perspectives so management can better understand how to continue corporate progress in serving the LGBTQ community.

To mark its recognition, Giant Eagle plans to donate $5,000 to the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, which provides services to support the LGBTQ and HIV communities.

The CEI rates employers providing vital protections to more than 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad.

Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign president, thanked companies for understanding that non-discrimination is the best business decision.

Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.