John Roberts Workplace Equality Index
What comes to mind when you think of an activist? Marching in the streets? Are there other ways to promote LGBT rights and advocate for workplace equality and social change? The Workplace Equality Index may be the best answer to this question.
What is the Workplace Equality Index?
John Roberts is the creator of the Workplace Equality Index, an equal-weighted index of companies committed to LGBT equality in the workplace. He also serves as a partner and portfolio manager at Segall, Bryant and Hamill, where he has managed portfolios screened for LGBT-inclusive policies since 1998. John writes and speaks extensively about the benefits of workplace equality and activist investing, and has been recognized as an entrepreneur and named Man of the Year by the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
John joins us to explain how managing funds for the Kevin Mossier Foundation led to the creation of the Workplace Equality Index. It describes the process of identifying companies that support LGBT-inclusive policies and the progress we have made toward equality in the workplace. John addresses the critical role of business in driving social change and discusses the impact of data in engaging shareholders on LGBT rights. Listen in for insights on identifying the companies that are truly “walking the walk” and investing in a portfolio that aligns with our values!
Find out everything about the Workplace Equality Index:
Topics covered on the Workplace Equality Index and more
How John came to design the Workplace Equality Index
- Portfolio Manager at Segall Bryant & Hamill
- Commissioned by the Kevin Mossier Foundation
- Asked to only invest in inclusive companies
How John determined the Workplace Equality Index metrics
- EEO Policy Prohibiting Discrimination Against LGBT People
- Offer benefits for domestic partners
- Support Pride groups
John’s motive for developing the Workplace Equality Index
- Put customers first and create a portfolio that aligns with values
- Only 26 in the S&P 500 met the requirements in the first year
How John identifies companies that support equality in the workplace
- Collect data from employees, CDOs and HROs
- Value diversity in the workforce and respect LGBT employees
John’s perspective on progress in LGBT equality in the workplace
- Number of companies increased tenfold (today 240)
- “Progress is never linear”
- The Millennial workforce is committed to equal rights
Why some organizations continue to discriminate
- Ignorance
- Quantitative data required
How to Find Out Which Companies Are “Walking the Way”
- Talk to employees
- CEO takes a stand
The role of business in promoting social change
- The SEC’s stance follows the government’s lead
- Companies are playing the long game and taking the lead
How to support companies that promote equality
- Conversation with financial advisor
- Customize a portfolio that aligns with values