Words by Smiley Team
As we approach LGBT+ history month, we should all take lessons from the past to ensure society is as inclusive and equal as possible. Corporations can contribute by fostering these values in their workplaces. Among those doing well in this respect, pharmaceutical retailer McKesson is celebrating its eighth consecutive year as one of the best places to work for LGBT+ equality.
For nearly a decade, McKesson Corporation has been honoured with this title by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Achieving 100 per cent on the HRC’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the company has gained a place, yet again, on this prominent ranking that encourages corporate support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality.
The company’s chief executive officer Brian Tyler said: “Now, more than ever, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is essential in supporting our employees, customers and our communities. We continue to work aggressively and thoughtfully towards our diversity goals, and I couldn’t be prouder that McKesson continues to be recognized for our dedication to this important work.”
At the forefront in offering support to its LGBT+ employees, McKesson helps tackle the specific problems faced by this community.
Their support for LGBT+ workers includes assistance for trans people, paying for HIV prevention medication, PrEP and providing same-sex partners with family health and well-being support.
The company built on their commitment by recently joining the United Nation (UN) Global Compact, a collective of organisations leading the drive to reach the sustainable development goal of equality.
A trans team leader at the company, Evalyn Keefe, began her transition while at the company. She said: “McKesson’s open, consistent, and strong support for inclusion and diversity not only made me feel safe and comfortable coming out publicly to my colleagues but also helped me to find the courage I needed to transition.”
She added: “The combination of support from my family, friends and McKesson has enabled me to finally reach a place in my life where I feel hope for the future and that I am finally on the right path towards a full and rewarding life as my authentic self.”
Much of the company’s current efforts to improve inclusivity and diversity are thanks to their newly appointed chief impact officer, Dr Kelvin Baggett. Recognised across the US for his dedication to tackling health and social issues, Baggett is responsible for ensuring the company is socially and environmentally progressive, and he oversees their philanthropic work through the McKesson Foundation.
Launched in 2002, the CEI offers a roadmap for major US businesses hoping to adopt inclusive policies, practices and benefits for their LGBT+ employees. It has since become a nationally recognized ranking system for workplace inclusion across different businesses.
If you are a US company considering joining the initiative, you can participate by first checking their guidance on who qualifies, then submitting the name, position, email, phone number and address of a person authorized to represent your business to [email protected].
You can also help in the movement towards LGBT+ equality by donating to the HRC.
