Berkshire Bank Earns Perfect Score in Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index
Berkshire Bank announces its annual rating on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s assessment of LGBTQ workplace equality
Boston, MA – February 3, 2021 – Berkshire Bank, a purpose-driven 21st-century community bank with locations primarily in New England and New York, has received the top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
"Since we started the Pride ERG, one of our main initiatives has been to increase LGBTQIA+ awareness both within our company and out in the communities that we serve. Receiving this high accolade from the HRC speaks to the impact we are making, and I can't wait to continue to make significant strides as we focus on an inclusive workplace. I am so proud to work with such a committed and motivated group of people as we make these changes at our company." Said Vanessa Pesa, Co-Chair of Berkshire Bank's Pride Employee Resource Group.
“In our first year with the Pride ERG, we have had incredible support from all parts of the Berkshire Family. Our work has allowed many to be comfortable in their own skin and share their full self with all they meet. I look forward to the recognition of being added to the Human Rights Campaign Index as a jumping stone for more members of our LGBTQIA+ Family to seek Berkshire for both career opportunities and financial goals.” Added Chad Stier, Co-Chair.
“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 1,142 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.
The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million outside of the U.S. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
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 here.
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 Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Bank is transforming into a 21st-century community bank as it pursues purpose-driven performance based on its Be FIRST corporate responsibility culture.
Berkshire Bank provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, wealth management, investment, and insurance services. The Bank has approximately $12.9 billion in assets and operates 130 branch offices in New England and New York, with an agreement to sell its eight Mid-Atlantic branches. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank and is a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. To learn more, call 800-773-5601 or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.