ZS expands LGBTQIA+ benefits and earns Equality 100 Award

Diverse minds are the foundation of innovation. ZS works to continually improve our inclusion and belonging practices because we know expansive representation and a collaborative culture fosters talent, new ways of thinking and unique solutions to complex challenges. We are committed to helping every ZSer thrive and bring their authentic talents to ZS for meaningful careers, personal fulfillment and purpose-driven impact. After all, their passion changes lives and the health of our world—and it is our responsibility to nurture that passion.

Recently, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation recognized our efforts by awarding ZS a perfect score, Equality 100, in their annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI)—a leading report that evaluates corporate policies and practices on LGBTQIA+ workplace equality in the U.S. ZS was part of the 39% of participating companies that met HRC’s new, heightened expectations (compared to 67% in years past).

Where passion changes lives

The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the U.S.’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through measurements like the CEI, HRC seeks to drive significant changes in the everyday lives of LGBTQIA+ people.

This year, HRC raised the bar and strengthened expectations for corporate LGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion policies across the U.S. The criteria for a perfect score were more rigorous than in previous years, with new standards around nondiscrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQIA+ workers and their families, inclusive workplace culture and corporate social responsibility.

When ZS learned of these changes, we immediately formed a team of stakeholders from legal, human resources, our inclusion and belonging initiatives, and Pride@ZS, our LGBTQIA+ community group, to lead the necessary updates. For Natalie Hanson, principal and Pride@ZS executive sponsor, this mission was both personal and important.

Natalie Hanson, Principal in ZS’s Evanston office

“I remember when I first interviewed at ZS,” Natalie recalls. “I told the recruiter, ‘I have a wife and two children. Before I can accept this role, I need to know that insurance and benefits will extend to my family.’ But it’s more than just a condition of employment; it’s foundational, it’s a signal of the culture at large.”

With this in mind, Natalie and the team reviewed the CEI expectations, specifically identifying ZS’s greatest opportunities for improvement. They found that the most impactful change would be expanding gender-affirming healthcare coverage.

“There is more understanding of what our trans and nonbinary colleagues need to feel safe and good in their own skin,” Natalie says. “The requirements and scope of the services are much more extensive than in the past. For example, the CEI named specific procedures that should be covered.”

ZS recognizes that transgender is a broad term that includes people who socially and medically transition, as well as those whose gender identity, expression or behavior doesn’t align with their assigned sex at birth. Gender transition is a personal process, and ZS acknowledges there are many ways to transition. We’ve expanded our benefits to ensure all ZSers are empowered to be openly who they are.

After negotiations with ZS’s insurance providers, the team confirmed coverage for several gender-affirming care options, including reconstructive surgery, hair removal and common prescription-based hormone replacement therapies. You can explore the specific U.S.-based benefits available to LGBTQIA+ ZSers.

This perfect score highlights ZS’s continued commitment to LGBTQIA+ workplace equality. ZS is proud to stand among 545 major U.S. businesses on the Equality 100 Award index. We celebrate this achievement toward greater equity and inclusion as a testament to the collaboration across human resources, inclusion and belonging, legal and ZS at large.

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