Grainger Named 'Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality'

LAKE FOREST, IL - A Lake Forest-based company was designated as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality."

W.W. Grainger, a leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products, was one of just 517 major U.S. companies to earn the status nationwide, according to a news release. The company also earned a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, something they've done for three consecutive years now.

The “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality” designation came from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which looked at 1,043 businesses nationwide. It evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.

"We are proud to be recognized again this year for our commitment to an inclusive workplace where all team members feel safe, valued and encouraged to contribute their best thinking," said Grainger Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Joseph High. "When we work to create a culture where we respect, welcome and leverage similarities and differences, we attract and retain the best talent, while getting to the best outcome for our customers and the business.”

Helping Grainger earn the designation is the company's policy to offer full benefits for same-sex domestic spouses and partners and its global policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.