A.T. Kearney Earns Perfect Score in 2015 Corporate Equality Index

News provided by

Dec 01, 2014, 10:00 ET

CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A.T. Kearney, a leading global consulting firm, has earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) in the US. The index - a national benchmark on corporate policies and practices related to workplace equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees - is published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

This is the 6^th successive year that A.T. Kearney has earned a perfect score in the index. The criteria to earn a perfect score gets tougher each year, showing that A.T. Kearney's policies on this front have also improved each year.

The score is a testament to A.T. Kearney's efforts to support diversity. As a firm A.T. Kearney strives towards an inclusive culture and runs an array of diversity networks, including GALA – a network for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Employees, and their Allies.

GALA supports the distinct employment needs of LGBT employees. The group focuses on recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptionally talented people. As part of the firm's ongoing recruiting at schools, GALA sponsors and participates in diversity events to build relationships with LGBT students in MBA and bachelor's degree programs. By working with firm leaders and human resources to develop policies and programs, GALA also helps create and support a work environment that allows professionals to be themselves, feel appreciated in the workplace, and develop and advance professionally.

"At A.T. Kearney we firmly believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We strive hard to ensure that all our people can be themselves and have equal opportunities to develop and succeed irrespective of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression," says Johan Aurik, Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board at A.T. Kearney.

"A perfect score on the CEI for six consecutive years is a great recognition of our efforts and commitment on this front," he adds.

GALA members include consultants at all levels, in various industry and service practices as well as management services employees. In addition to LGBT employees, it also includes allies who support the network in developing an even more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Vidur Bhandari, a Principal with A.T. Kearney and the lead for GALA in North America, says that diversity is at the core of the culture and values at the firm for two key reasons.

"First, we believe that by bringing diverse backgrounds and thinking-styles we improve the richness and quality of solutions that we develop for our clients. And secondly, we pride ourselves in being authentic with our clients, and you can only be authentic if you are comfortable bringing your whole self to work," he says.

The 2015 CEI rated 781 US-based businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community. A.T. Kearney's efforts satisfied all of the CEI's criteria resulting in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

For more information on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit: www.hrc.org/cei.

For more information on A.T. Kearney's diversity and inclusion programs, visit: http://www.atkearney.com/about-us/diversity-inclusion

About A.T. Kearney
A.T. Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm with offices in more than 40 countries. Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors to the world's foremost organizations. A.T. Kearney is a partner-owned firm, committed to helping clients achieve immediate impact and growing advantage on their most mission critical issues. For more information, visit www.atkearney.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120925/CG80591LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/at-kearney-earns-perfect-score-in-2015-corporate-equality-index-300002452.html

SOURCE A.T. Kearney