In a bid to tackle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) alienation in the workplace, Community Business recently launched the inaugural LGBT workplace inclusion index and standard allocations – gold, silver and bronze. The results were released at an Awards Ceremony at the Regal Hong Kong hotel last Friday, which was also the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
The data is intended to serve as a benchmark from which to analyse, monitor and drive progress in the area of LGBT inclusion in Asia.
“We congratulate and acknowledge all the companies that took part in this Index - their decision to participate is a significant and critical first step. Regardless of performance, all these companies have shown they are committed to creating inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees in Hong Kong and we urge them to use the learning and insights gained through this process to focus their efforts and drive continued progress,” said CEO of Community Business, Fern Ngai.
A total of 35 companies participated, including: HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Nomura International (Hong Kong), Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Credit Suisse, and Goldman Sachs. They were assessed on categories such as: Equal Opportunities Policy, Diversity Training, Corporate Culture, Monitoring, and Community & Advocacy.
Overall, the companies scored an average 42.8 per cent – demonstrating that there is room for improvement, and revealing that this is a brave first step in a much-needed push toward an inclusive work society.
A ‘Top 10 Employers in Hong Kong for LGBT Inclusion 2015’ list was compiled from the data, with Goldman Sachs at the top, HSBC second, and J. P. Morgan third.
In addition to the ranking of the Top 10 Employers, Community Business assigned Bronze, Silver and Gold Standards. These standards acknowledge the level of performance in the overall Index whilst protecting the anonymity of individual company scores.
Community Business also presented various LGBT awards, including one to Project Touch for the Community Impact Award, and the Inclusion Champion Award, which went to Steven Chan, Vice President of Regulatory, Industry and Government Affairs, Asia Pacific, State Street Corporation.