TORONTO, January 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Softchoice, a leading software- and cloud-focused IT solutions provider, has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the fourth consecutive year Softchoice has earned the top score.
This year's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) includes 1,449 businesses, the highest number of rated companies since the CEI started in 2002. Of those 1,449 organizations, Softchoice joins the 765 being recognized as leaders in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion with the Equality 100 Award.
"At Softchoice, we're cultivating a world-class culture where individuals can unleash their potential, grow personally and professionally, and thrive in a positive, welcoming environment," said Karen Scott, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Softchoice. "We support our LGBTQ+ team members by embedding inclusive behaviors into the routine of how our business operates. This includes offering inclusive benefits, setting DEI-specific goals for our leadership, providing resources through our Orange Pride employee resource group, and enhancing diverse representation through our inclusive recruitment process. Earning the Equality 100 Award for the fourth consecutive year validates our commitment and success."
"The CEI is so much more than a score on paper. For decades businesses have relied on the CEI as a tool for transparency and leveling the playing field for all workers, making sure LGBTQ+ people and their families can share in fair, respectful and supportive workplaces and benefits," said RaShawn "Shawnie" Hawkins, SHRM-CP, HRCF Senior Director of Workplace Equality. "As conversations evolve on corporate America's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that largely recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion. Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking. The work of the CEI is to help businesses to expand their consumer base and attract top, innovative talent by supporting the LGBTQ+ community."
The CEI rates employers providing non-discrimination protections to more than 22 million U.S. workers, including Fortune magazine's 500 largest publicly traded businesses and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized organizations. This year's rating was based on criteria under four pillars:
Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;
Softchoice (TSX:SFTC) is a software- and cloud-focused IT solutions provider that equips organizations to be agile, innovative, and secure, and people to be engaged, connected and creative at work. We do this by delivering secure, AI-powered cloud and digital workplace solutions supported by our advanced software asset management methodology and capabilities. Through our ROI customer success framework, we create value for our customers by reducing their IT spending, optimizing their technology, and supporting business-driven innovation. We are a highly engaged, high-performing team that is welcoming, inclusive, and diverse in thought and experience, and are certified as a Great Place to Work® in Canada and the United States. To learn more about us, visit www.softchoice.com.
About Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.
Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which reflects Softchoice’s current expectations regarding future events, including Softchoice’s strategies, technology portfolios and industry expectations. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Softchoice’s control. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release and Softchoice does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws.
