IHG Hotels & Resorts has secured a perfect score of 100 on the 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, re-inforcing its status as a beacon of LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

This marks the ninth consecutive year in the US and the third time in Mexico that IHG has achieved this rating.

Commitment to equality

In a testament to its commitment, IHG said it embraced comprehensive policies, benefits and practices across its business entities.

The CEI rating criteria cover non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits, an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility, underscoring IHG's pro-active steps in fostering equity for LGBTQ+ workers and their families.

“Providing room to belong is core to IHG’s culture. Our business is about people, and we've created a diverse and inclusive environment we know is valued by the millions of guests staying in our hotels, the thousands of owners investing with us, and the talent who choose to join our team,” said Rani Hammond, senior vice-president of human resources, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, in a company statement.

“Earning the CEI top score reflects our dedication to building on the significant progress we’ve made to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.”

Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

In 2023, IHG took significant strides in fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Initiatives include the Out & Open Employee Resource Group, support for The Trevor Project and sponsorship of LGBTQ+ celebrations worldwide.

The company has also extended a range of benefits in the US to meet diverse employee needs, such as medical plans for both same and opposite-sex spouses and family programmes supporting fertility assistance, surrogacy and adoption.

Guided by its Journey to Tomorrow 2030 responsible business plan, IHG's DEI strategy is geared towards achieving gender balance in leadership, cultivating inclusion and upholding human rights.