Highmark Inc. named a "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for three consecutive years

PITTSBURGH. (Jan. 21, 2020) — In recognition of Highmark Inc.'s supportive and inclusive culture for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning employees, the company has again earned distinction as a "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality" from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. For three consecutive years, Highmark has been recognized as a workplace where all employees are welcome as unique individuals, receiving a perfect score of 100 points in the national Corporate Equality Index.

"To create a remarkable health experience for our members and patients, we first have to create a remarkable experience for our employees," said Deb Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Inc. "Highmark and the communities we serve thrive when we create a culture that celebrates diversity. It frees our workforce to be at its best, and it ensures that we are an employer of choice for talented individuals from all backgrounds. Highmark is proud to be recognized for our work on behalf of LGBTQ equality."

The 2020 Corporate Equality Index benchmarks corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees, helping businesses to compare themselves to those that are leaders in diversity and inclusion. This year, three Highmark Health companies have received perfect scores, with Highmark West Virginia and Highmark Delaware making the list for the first time.

"Highmark Inc. strives to honor its many diverse employees and customers by being an inclusive, respectful and safe place to work and do business," said Dr. Lonie Haynes, vice president of diversity and inclusion for Highmark Health. "We are proud that Highmark Delaware and Highmark West Virginia are joining Highmark Inc. in being recognized as leaders within the LGBTQ communities they serve this year."

To commemorate this achievement, Highmark Health's downtown Pittsburgh headquarters, Fifth Avenue Place, will light with a rainbow design from January 21 to January 24. Among the practices that earned Highmark Inc. the "Best Place to Work" designation are equivalent spousal and domestic partner benefits related to health, dental and vision coverage; legal dependent coverage; transgender-inclusive benefits and workplace transition guidelines; yearly collaboration with human resources to educate leaders and the workforce about understanding the LGBTQ community; sponsorship of community activities that engage and include LGBTQ employees; and involvement with the corporate LGBTQ business resource group (BRG), which acts as a vital resource and partner, enhancing capabilities and knowledge in workforce inclusivity and marketplace excellence, and helping to connect Highmark Inc. with the communities it serves.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.