Recognition Marks Eight Straight Years in the United States and the First Time in Mexico
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has earned a 100 percent score on the 2022 Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and been recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the eighth year in a row in the United States and for the first time in Mexico. The CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars, including non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility. This year’s report rated more than 1,200 U.S.-based companies and 242 Mexico-based companies, showcasing organizations promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies across the region.
Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, said: “At the heart of IHG’s purpose – to provide True Hospitality for Good – is a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. That requires a conscious effort to foster a culture that truly represents the world we live and travel in. I’m extremely proud of our top ranking in this year’s CEI, and we will continue ensuring everyone has the freedom to not only feel welcome, but to also be fully themselves at IHG.”
Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training, said: “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. 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.”
IHG continues to further a culture of inclusion through key initiatives around the world:
- In 2021, IHG highlighted the progress made toward its DEI commitments in the Americas, which were created to drive more meaningful progress – both within the company and the communities in which it operates.
- Last November, the company kicked off its first Global Inclusion Week, which included DE&I-focused virtual events where leaders and colleagues engaged with employee resource groups (ERGs), learned from keynote and panel discussions and built deeper connections through interactive activities.
- Globally, IHG hosted a Pride month panel discussion about bringing your full self to work and the importance of mentors and allies. Regionally, IHG hosted LGBTQ+ Conversations, which included an open forum for questions, as well as other employee engagement activities.
- In 2021, IHG delivered Conscious Inclusion learning across its MLAC region – Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean – and expanded its dedicated ERGs, including Out & Open for colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies, and Lean-In, which is focused on empowering women to achieve their ambitions.
- Last year, IHG championed a “Travel Proud” hospitality training session in its company-managed hotels to help create the best experience for LGBTQ+ travelers and IHG teams around the world came together to celebrate PRIDE.
- The Americas Out & Open ERG worked with IHG’s marketing team to create a new IHG Pride logo that was shared across social media platforms in June and is featured on a new IHG Pride landing page.
IHG is a proud signatory to the UN LGBTI Standards for Business, CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, The Valuable 500, Women in Hospitality’s Diversity in Hospitality Travel and Leisure Charter, the 30% Club and Change the Race ratio, and continues to engage with efforts to support representation and inclusion for all underrepresented communities as a member of the National Diversity Council and the Georgia Diversity Council.
