Ireland’s first ever Workplace Equality Index, which rates LGBT recognition and inclusion in companies across the country, has identified the best companies to work for in Ireland if you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. Here’s the top five!

1. Ernst and Young

This year’s best place to work for LGBT employees, Ernst and Young, scored highly across all areas of the Workplace Index’s criteria: diversity leadership, policy and practices, diversity culture, LGBT visibility and diverse business.
The company’s LGBT employee network, Unity, which has more than 1,600 members globally, has had an active Irish chapter for over five years. The group, which is open to all employees with an interest in LGBT concerns, provides a forum for internal and external networking, and acts as a social and support group.
The company maintains an LGBT-inclusive focus on recruitment, and has taken part in GLEN’s Diversity Champions annual LGBT recruitment directory.
The company snagged three other prizes at the Workplace Index awards too: Mike McKerr, Country Managing Partner for EY was recognised as Ally of the Year for demonstrating an outstanding level of support for LGBT colleagues, and for advocating the benefits of LGBT inclusion among clients and stakeholders. Catherine Vaughan, who founded Ireland’s Unity chapter, was named as LGBT Inclusion Champion of the Year, and Unity itself won LGBT Employee Network of the Year.

2. IBM

The diligent involvement of top-tier management is crucially important when it comes to supporting LGBT employees. As well as having a dedicated LGBT network, Eagle, which is supported by senior management, IBM’s executive leaders frequently speak at LGBT diversity and inclusion business events, as well as informing clients about the benefits of a workplace and business that values lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans employees.
IBM has a strong commitment and focus on the business benefits of being LGBT-inclusive, attracting LGBT talent, developing LGBT staff to their full potential and creating a successful service for clients through an inclusive culture.
The company also has a reverse mentoring programme, where LGBT employees mentor senior managers. An example of this is IBM’s business breakfast with GLEN on ‘Developing New Business Opportunities through LGBT Diversity and Inclusion’, where Peter O’Neill, Managing Director, and senior leaders spoke.

3. Accenture

Along with sponsoring the GAZE film festival, Accenture displays its commitment to diversity and inclusion in myriad ways. For example, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance staff members were sent videos made by TENI, sharing Irish trans people’s stories.
The company also has visible out role models; Peter O’Reilly, global intellectual property asset senior manager at Accenture Managing is co-chair of its LGBT network.
Accenture’s commitment to diversity and inclusion comes from the top down: Director of Accenture Ireland, Alistair Blair, is executive sponsor of the LGBT network and often extols the benefits of getting involved in Accenture’s LGBT Network and Ally programme.

4. Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank earned a perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s annual corporate index (which classifies the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality) seven years in a row. In the US it signed the amicus brief, which resulted in the overturning of the DOMA (Defence of Marriage Act).
In 2014, the company launched DB Pride, a network of LGBTs and allies, and have regular LGBT-related internal awareness-raising events. In just one year Deutsche Bank Ireland grew to become the largest LGBT employee network in Deutsche Bank globally.

5. Microsoft

Microsoft’s international LGBT employee network, GLEAM, has over 2,000 members globally, a testament to the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. Microsoft connects with LGBT jobseekers and customers by communicating their LGBT-inclusive values through LGBT media.
Microsoft promote their commitment to LGBT diversity and inclusion nationally and meet with thousands LGBT job-seekers annually at recruitment fairs. Along with appearing in the annual Dublin Pride parade, the company also regularly fundraises for LGBT organisations, such as BeLonG To.

To find out more about Ireland’s Workplace Equality Index, click here.

This article originally appeared in GCN issue 312.

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