Baird Scores 100% on 2020 Corporate Equality Index, earns designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality

Firm

2020 Corporate Equality IndexMILWAUKEE, Jan. 21, 2020 – Baird announced today that it received a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s premier  benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Baird joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year. This is Baird’s fourth perfect score on the CEI.

"We are honored to be recognized as a best place to work for LGBTQ equality," said Steve Booth, Baird President & CEO. "At Baird, we believe it is crucial to have policies and practices in place that foster an environment where all associates are treated fairly and equally. This, in turn, enables us to attract and retain the best people."

The results of this year’s CEI showcase how 1,059 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Baird’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:

  • Non-discrimination policies
  • Employment benefits
  • Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion
  • Public commitment to LGBTQ equality
  • Responsible citizenship

"The 100% score is a reflection of the continued commitment Baird has to retaining our standing as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality," said Patrick Mutsune, Senior Investment and Systems Analyst at Baird and Vice Chair of Spectrum, Baird’s LGBTQ Associate Resource Group. "Even more importantly it also recognizes Baird’s dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace for our LGTBQ associates, allies, and advocates."

Baird embraces and supports its LGBTQ associates, clients and communities.  The firm is committed to creating a workplace where all feel welcomed and encouraged to be their authentic selves every day.  Baird’s Spectrum Associate Resource Group provides educational sessions, networking opportunities and outings for LGBTQ associates and allies. Spectrum has also supported national organizations, such as The Trevor Project, and formed partnerships with a number of Milwaukee-area community organizations including Courage House, WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Vivent Health.

"We are extremely proud to receive a 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index for the fourth time," said Justin Parker, IT Delivery Manager and Chair of Spectrum. "We are thankful to our senior leaders and all Baird associates for their ongoing dedication to creating a great workplace environment for all."

The full report, is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

About HRC

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Baird

Putting clients first since 1919, Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, asset management, investment banking/capital markets, and private equity firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Baird has approximately 4,500 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients and $285 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2019. Committed to being a great workplace, Baird ranked No. 16 on FORTUNE’s 2019 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Baird is the marketing name of Baird Financial Group. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s investment banking and private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird’s website at www.rwbaird.com.

For additional information, contact:

Marianne Foster
Baird Public Relations
414-298-1906