ZS recognized as best place to work for LGBTQ equality third year in a row

—The annual Corporate Equality Index rates companies on practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality—

Evanston, Ill.—Jan. 28, 2021—For the third consecutive year, global professional services firm ZS is recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, earning a score of 100 on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationally recognized benchmarking survey and report on corporate practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality.

The recognition is based on rigorous evaluation of detailed criteria under four central pillars: nondiscrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility.

“To once again earn a perfect score is an honor and a testament to our ZS people and culture,” said Managing Director Chris Wright. “We’re living through extraordinary times and levels of uncertainty, and ZSers continue to foster a culture of trust, collaboration and inclusion. We are especially proud to embrace this moment as an opportunity to build more just, inclusive spaces where all people can live authentically and thrive at work.”

The firm’s ability to satisfy the CEI criteria is grounded in vibrant inclusion and diversity business resource groups, including Pride@ZS, a group for LGBTQ ZSers and allies that promotes awareness and belonging at work and beyond through education, social events and community outreach.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition and of our people for their continued efforts in creating a more welcoming and supportive environment,” said Natalie Hanson, ZS principal and Pride@ZS leader. “Our work continues, and we remain inspired to continue progress toward our inclusion and diversity goals.”

ZS’s overall commitment to inclusion and diversity is guided by its inclusion and diversity council. The council partners with ZS leadership and well as with ZSers across the organization to help embed inclusion and diversity in ZS’s culture, practices and groups including Pride@ZS, the Women’s Leadership Initiative, the Black and Hispanic Alliance and Veterans@ZS.

“We seek and value individual perspectives,” said ZS principal and inclusion and diversity council leader, Sandra Forero. “We’ve made it our priority to foster a sense of belonging and build deep alignment on a clear purpose, and we are committed to ensuring that the values of diversity and inclusion are practiced and upheld in, and beyond, the workplace.”

“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.”

ZS adds the 2021 CEI rating to its recent certification as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. by the Great Place to Work Institute, a global authority on workplace culture and employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation.

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. For more information on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

ZS is a professional services firm that works side by side with companies to help develop and deliver products that drive customer value and company results. We leverage our deep industry expertise, leading-edge analytics, technology and strategy to create solutions that work in the real world. With more than 35 years of experience and 8,000-plus ZSers in more than 25 offices worldwide, we are passionately committed to helping companies and their customers thrive. To learn more, visit www.zs.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.