Pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma has been named a Best Place to Work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality as it obtained a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
For the fourth year in a row, Astellas has earned 100 percent ranking on the CEI for its LGBTQ-related polices and practices such as nondiscrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits and its engagement with the LGBTQ community, according to a press release.
The company supports its LGBTQ employees and their allies through its resource group known as Together As One (TAO).
“Achieving a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year highlights Astellas' commitment to be a diverse and inclusive workplace,” Linda Friedman, Astellas executive vice president, general counsel and TAO's executive sponsor, said in the release. “We strive to be an industry leader for the inclusion of all employees and this recognition highlights that commitment.”
Astellas recently held its inaugural Ally Week when more than 400 employees took the “Ally Pledge” where they committed to support and be allies for LGBTQ employees, according to the release. The company also took part in the annual Chicago Pride Parade in June to show its support for the LBGTQ community.
