Aramark Earns Top Marks in Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index

Aramark earns a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual assessment of LGBTQ workplace equality

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the seventh consecutive year, Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, proudly announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

“Aramark is proud to, once again, be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Place To Work For LGBTQ Equality,” said Ash Hanson, Aramark’s Chief Diversity and Sustainability Officer. “Over the past year, we’ve continued to focus on creating equity and increasing access to opportunities for all of our employees, no matter their orientation and gender identity, and helping enable a culture of inclusion, where everyone can bring their whole self to work.”

“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”

The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Aramark’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and, corporate social responsibility. The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

Aramark has ten employee resource groups (ERGs), including Aramark Pride, which focuses on fostering an open, inclusive environment in which LGBTQ employees and allies are fully engaged to achieve organizational goals and enhance professional growth. Pride's goals include enhancing Aramark's competitive advantages as an LGBTQ-friendly employer and business partner as well as engaging employees by encouraging them to bring their “whole selves” to work.

Aramark’s commitment to people is a core part of the company’s sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well., focused on positively impacting people and the planet. Aramark’s people priority is to facilitate access to opportunities that will improve the well-being of the Company’s employees, consumers, communities and people in its supply chain. Building on current work, Aramark continues to help people develop careers and livelihoods; access, choose and prepare healthy food; and grow communities, businesses and local economies. The Company’s diversity and inclusion efforts have been recognized by many notable organizations like Diversity Inc., the Disability Equality Index, Equal Opportunity, Diversity Best Practices (DBP) and Black Enterprise.

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. We deliver innovative experiences and services in food, facilities management and uniforms to millions of people every day. We strive to create a better world by making a positive impact on people and the planet, including commitments to engage our employees; empower healthy consumers; build local communities; source ethically, inclusively and responsibly; operate efficiently and reduce waste. Aramark is recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ), DiversityInc, Equal Employment Publications and the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.