Papa John’s has established itself as an LGBTQ-friendly workplace after scoring high on a national survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, according to a press release.
Papa John’s earned a score of 90% on the foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. This is the first year Papa John’s has been ranked in the survey. According to the company’s press release, Papa John’s outscored its competitors in the pizza category and “higher than many companies in the restaurant industry.”
“One of Papa John’s core values is ‘everyone belongs.’ We are focused on creating a culture where all team members feel they can be their authentic selves at work,” said Chief People & Diversity Officer Marvin Boakye. “Our Corporate Equality Index score is just one example of our company putting its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion into practice and being recognized for the strong culture we are creating.”
Boakye added that Papa John’s is “committed to continuing to improve and, more importantly, living our inclusive values every day.”
“The impact of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe. These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—it is also the best business decision.”
This year’s CEI showcases how 1,059 U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad.
The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:
- Non-discrimination policies
- Employment benefits
- Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion
- Public commitment to LGBTQ equality
- Responsible citizenship
The survey lists the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” in a wide range of sectors. In the Food, Beverage and Groceries sector, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Shake Shack made the list by scoring 100% on the CEI.
