BCBS of Massachusetts Honored for LGBT Workplace Equality

BOSTON — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has received a perfect score of 100{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Blue Cross joins the ranks of more than 407 U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic-partner benefits, transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. Blue Cross’ efforts have resulted in the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

“Being honored by the Human Rights Campaign for our dedication to workplace equality is an honor for everyone in the company,” said Sue Sgroi, senior vice president of Organizational Effectiveness and chief Human Resources officer at Blue Cross. “We are proud to train new employees and supervisors on how to understand sexual orientation and gender identity while having an EEO policy that now includes gender expression and identity.”

More than 30 Blue Cross employees — including senior vice presidents and members of various leadership teams — collaborated on the survey to highlight the company’s dedication to workplace inclusion and equality.

“In this 2016 Corporate Equality Index, hundreds of major businesses responded to our new standards for workplace equality with exceptional leadership,” said Deena Fidas, Human Rights Campaign Foundation Workplace Equality Program director. “Blue Cross not only meets these standards, it goes above and beyond the call of duty, making commitment to equality a fundamental aspect of its corporate values.”