Two major gaming companies have earned perfect scores from the Human Rights Campaign for their inclusive policies.
MGM Resorts International and International Game Technology (IGT) scored 100 on the HRC’s 2022 Corporate Index, earning both companies the Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality Designation.
“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 Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training Jay Brown in a statement. “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.”
IGT and MGM join more than 840 companies in the U.S. that have earned top scores from the HRC.
The HRC rates companies based on criteria in four areas:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture
- Corporate social responsibility
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are an integral part of our Company culture, core values, and ways of doing business. We demonstrate this through our commitment to a diverse workforce and the top quality of service we provide to our guests who represent all corners and cultures of the world,” said MGM Resorts International Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer Jyoti Chopra in a statement. “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to promote equality within our company and to our local and regional communities.
“This designation reinforces that IGT’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is focused on impact,” said IGT Vice President and COO IGT Indiana Melissa Pursley, who is also Co-Executive Sponsor of PRIDE with IGT. “Many in the LGBTQ+ community still struggle to thrive at work, and as a senior leader at IGT and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud that IGT has taken consistent steps to ensure that this is not the case for our colleagues.”
Both MGM and IGT have track records supporting the LGBTQ community. MGM is a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign in 2004, and in 2011 expanded its supplier and construction diversity programs to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ)-owned firms.
Since 2018, IGT has implemented a range programs, policy and systems changes including gender affirming medical benefits for transgender employees, competitive benefits for same sex partners, regardless of marital status, and more inclusive and equitable hiring processes.
