2021 Corporate Equality Index
Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual assessment of LGBTQ Workplace Equality
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 28, 2021 – Baird announced today that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Baird joins the ranks of 767 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year. This is Baird’s fifth perfect score on the CEI.
“We are grateful to be honored for the fifth time as a best place to work for LGBTQ equality,” said Steve Booth, Baird President & CEO. “The CEI is an incredibly important recognition for Baird because of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. In order to do that, we must have policies and practices in place that foster a culture of equality for all associates.”
The results of this year’s CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are 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.
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families;
- Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
- Corporate social responsibility.
The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.
“Baird believes that embracing diversity and inclusion helps us strengthen the corporate culture that serves as the foundation of our business success,” said Patrick Mutsune, Senior Investment and Systems Analyst at Baird and Chair of Spectrum, Baird’s LGBTQ Associate Resource Group. “We are proud of our tradition of fostering and maintaining an environment in which the diversity of each individual is valued and celebrated.”
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 and networking opportunities 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.
“Our 100% score is a testament to Baird’s ongoing commitment to an environment of inclusion, respect, and authenticity,” said Abby Shaddox, Senior Development Consultant at Baird and Vice Chair of Spectrum. “This commitment is at the heart of who we are and what we do, and guides who we will become. As we are recognized once again as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, we share our pride and gratitude with all Baird associates.”
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 4,600 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients and more than $305 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2020. Committed to being a great workplace, Baird ranked No. 13 on the 2020 Fortune 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