A pair of major toymakers are among the 767 businesses recognized for earning a 100% rating and the designation of being a 2021 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
Mattel and Hasbro made the list as part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the annual national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees.
“Mattel is deeply honored to once again be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country’s top workplaces for LGBTQ+ equality,” says Amy Thompson, executive vice president and chief people officer, Mattel. “At Mattel, we create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. And we know we do our best work when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard. We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity that values and celebrates all voices, life experiences, and perspectives.”
The 2021 CEI showcases the efforts of 1,142 U.S.-based companies that are promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies.
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year,” says Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign president. “Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ+ equality. 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.”
Other honorable mentions in toy-adjacent businesses include Activision, Amazon, GameStop, Target, ViacomCBS, Walmart, and The Walt Disney Co.
