HRC Gives Kraft Foods a Perfect Score in Corporate Equality Index
NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Dec. 8, 2011 – "We are open and inclusive." That's one of Kraft Foods' seven core values. And by living this value, Kraft Foods fosters a professional workplace that promotes teamwork, diversity, respect and trust. Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) recognized that ongoing commitment by awarding Kraft Foods a perfect score of 100 on its 2012 Corporate Equality Index and naming Kraft to its "Best Places to Work" list.
"We recognize the value diversity brings to the workplace and to the communities where our employees live and work," said Jim Norman, Vice President, Diversity. "Providing a workplace that's safe, inclusive and rewarding is a proven strategy for attracting and keeping good talent and inspiring people to do great things. We're thrilled to be recognized as a great place for LGBT professionals to work."
Since 2002, the HRC's Corporate Equality Index (www.hrc.org/cei) has benchmarked U.S. businesses, highlighting companies with the best practices that improve the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees. The CEI evaluates equal employment policies, employment benefits, organizational LGBT competencies, public engagement and corporate citizenship.
Bringing "whole" self to work helps employees realize full potential
Employees want to work where people respect and leverage their unique talents, experiences and perspectives. That's why the Kraft Foods Rainbow Council (KFRC) raises awareness of LGBT issues and opportunities within the company to foster a culture where employees can bring their "whole" selves to work and realize their full potential.
Internally, the KFRC organizes discussions and events ranging from domestic partner benefits to marketing to the LGBT community. Additionally, this employee group strengthens linkages with human resources and senior leaders to support initiatives such as LGBT efficacy training and mentoring.
Externally, the KFRC supports and volunteers in local LGBT-focused community organizations. For example, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance recently honored the KFRC with the Ally of the Year Award for support of the organization's work in promoting safety for LGBT youth. In addition, at the company's management center in Madison, Wis., employees supported the "It Gets Better" campaign to empower LGBT youth facing bullying and harassment by peers.
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Contact:
Angela Zarazua
(847) 646-4538
news@kraftfoods.com
About Kraft Foods
Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2010 revenue of $49.2 billion. Twelve of the company's iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually. On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business with estimated revenue of $32 billion and a high-margin North American grocery business with estimated revenue of $16 billion, based on 2010 financial results, adjusted for divestitures. The transaction will take at least 12 months to complete, during which time plans regarding the structure, management, governance and other matters will be announced. A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index.
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