Baird Named to Corporate Equality Index’s 2022 Best Places to Work
Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual assessment of LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 27, 2022 – Baird announced today that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 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 more than 840 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year. This is Baird’s sixth perfect score on the CEI.
We are honored to be recognized as a best place to work for LGBTQ+ associates for six years,” said Steve Booth, Baird Chairman, President & CEO. “Baird has an ongoing commitment to building an environment where all associates can be their authentic selves. The CEI shows that Baird is creating a culture of equality for all associates.
The results of this year’s CEI showcase how 1,271 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 56% 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.
“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,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training. “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. Congratulations to Baird for achieving the title of ‘best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality’ and working to advance inclusion in the workplace.”
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 embraces, uplifts, and supports its LGBTQ+ associates, clients and communities. For 10 years, Baird’s Spectrum Associate Resource Group has provided educational sessions and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ associates and allies. This year, the group will be hosting major events for Pride Month and National Coming Out Day to promote awareness, education, and visibility for LGBTQ associates. 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, MKE LGBT Community Center and Vivent Health.
Baird’s corporate culture is built on embracing diversity in the workplace and striving to ensure each associate feels valued,” said Abby Shaddox, Senior Talent Development Consultant at Baird and Chair of Spectrum. “We are proud of our tradition of fostering an environment in which each individual is celebrated and honored for who they are. We are thankful to our senior leaders and all Baird associates who are committed to being a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.
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 $385 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2021. Committed to being a great workplace, Baird ranked No. 32 on the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list – its 18th consecutive year on the list. Baird is the marketing name of Baird Financial Group. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Baird Trust Company 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
mfoster@rwbaird.com