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CHICAGO (November 15, 2012) – Hyatt has been named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” after receiving for the ninth consecutive year a 100 percent rating on the 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual report administered since 2002 by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which is America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

The HRC’s CEI report provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Hyatt’s 100 percent rating includes perfect marks for the company’s protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, parity of health care benefits for domestic partners, diversity training, internal resources for LGBT workers, and external support for the LGBT community.

The full CEI report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei and is the premiere national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion.

“Enhancing and sustaining a positive work experience for our associates around the world is our priority. We must be an inclusive company if we are going to attract and retain diverse associates with the talent, energy and attitude to create experience for guests that will make Hyatt their first hotel choice,” said Robb Webb, chief human resources officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Hyatt was the first major hotel company to offer domestic partner benefits, including changes to bereavement policies, which created FMLA-like benefits for domestic partners not required under federal law at the time. Hyatt has also included sexual orientation in its Equal Employment Opportunity policy since 2000, and added gender identity in 2002. In summer 2012, Hyatt made a statement in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

Over the years, Hyatt has worked with other LGBT organizations, including the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Point Foundation Chicago, among others.

Hyatt has also shown its support and commitment to LGBT associates through the formation of HyPride, an employee networking group for members and supporters of the LGBT community, which gives all Hyatt associates the opportunity to have a voice within the company.

To celebrate LGBT Pride Month 2012, Hyatt teamed up with the Human Rights Campaign to raise awareness of the organization’s mission and Hyatt’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBT associates and guests. Volunteers from HyPride joined HRC representatives volunteering at seven Pride events across the country.

Last month, Hyatt associates across the United States joined HyPride to celebrate and bring awareness to Spirit Day. Spirit Day, organized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), was started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan as a way to show support for LGBT youth and to take a stand against bullying of such individuals. Hyatt supported its participation of Spirit Day on Facebook and Twitter, and continues to team up with GLAAD and its programs.

Hyatt has a long history of being a recognized leader in promoting and nurturing a diverse workforce and it remains steadfastly committed to diversity in the workplace. 

About The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.