On January 7, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) released the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a benchmarking survey measuring company policies related to workplace equality for more than two decades.
Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
A record 1,449 businesses were rated this year, including 72 first-time CEI participants. In total, 765 companies – a 28% increase from last year – earned a score of 100.
"At its core, the work of the CEI is about making businesses stronger," said HRC President Kelley Robinson, in a statement. "Since the start of this work 22 years ago, we’ve seen drastic shifts in corporate America towards more equitable and inclusive working conditions, family formation and healthcare benefits, and non-discrimination protections.
"At times, progress meets backlash, but companies continue to dedicate the time and resources to reinforcing workplace inclusion. As a result, they are more competitive and more creative while attracting and retaining top talent and widening their consumer base.”
Key findings in the 2025 CEI include:
- The first year of the CEI (2002) included 319 participating companies. This year the survey hit a record-high 1,449 participants, nearly 5% growth from the previous year.
- 98% (1,420 companies) have sexual orientation and gender identity in their employment non-discrimination policy, up from just 5% in the CEI’s inaugural edition in 2002.
- More companies this year provided an LGBTQ+ health benefits guide – a 25% increase over last year in the number of companies with this employee resource.
- CEI 2025: 1089 (75%) companies created this resource.
- CEI 2023-24: 873 (63%) companies provided this resource.
- Inclusive Benefits
- 1,187 companies (82%) provide equivalency spousal and partner medical benefits.
- 1,329 companies (92%) provide equivalency in their family formation benefits for spouses and partners.
- 1,258 companies (87%) provide equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care.
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1,051 companies out of all CEI-rated employers have instituted gender transition guidelines with supportive policies and documentation guidance to proactively support transitioning employees, their managers, and their colleagues – up 21% over last year’s CEI.
“As conversations evolve on corporate America’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that largely recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion," said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM senior director of Workplace Equality, in a statement. "The work of the CEI is to help businesses to expand their consumer base and attract top, innovative talent by supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”