Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, announced today that it received a top score of 100 points on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Constellation also was named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality for its efforts in diversity and inclusion in operations, hiring, benefits, training and community outreach.
“We respect and celebrate the individuality, differences and uniqueness of our employees and are proud that this has been recognized by the Corporate Equality Index,” said Tom Kane, Constellation’s executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “Creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential helps us grow as a company and be a better neighbor in the communities in which we live and work.”
Constellation Brands focuses on diversity and inclusion in many ways. With a broad focus from policies and procedures, to the experience employees have when working for Constellation, diversity and inclusion is being integrated into all levels of work. For example, the talent acquisition team participates in diverse recruitment and networking events with professional organizations such as Reaching Out MBA, Prospanica Society for Hispanics, National Black MBA and more, to ensure the company attracts employees that reflect its consumers and communities. The talent development team ensures an inclusive environment through courses on unconscious bias and creating an inclusive culture.
Earlier this year, Constellation expanded its parental leave benefits for all eligible U.S. employees, giving new birth mothers 16 weeks of fully-paid leave and any employee, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, up to eight weeks of paid leave when they welcome a new baby or child to their family, including through adoption or foster placement.
“We put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of what we do and encourage employees to contribute their unique skills, experiences and knowledge to everything they do at Constellation Brands,” said Sarah Bettman, diversity leader, Constellation Brands. “The Corporate Equality Index milestone reflects Constellation’s commitment to a rich and diverse workforce and drives us to continue to enhance our programs, resources, policies and community outreach.”