ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 9, 2017 — For the eighth consecutive year, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, is proud to announce it scored a perfect 100 on the 2018 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark that annually ranks companies on LGBT-friendly corporate practices and policies. This ranking earns Choice Hotels the distinction as one of HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”
As part of the Corporate Equality Index, Choice Hotels was rated on a series of criteria pertaining to the corporate policies, benefits and practices affecting the LGBT workforce and their families. To earn a perfect score and achieve the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” Choice Hotels demonstrated inclusive and equal employment opportunities, equal employment benefits, organizational LGBT awareness and advocacy, and a public commitment to equality and inclusivity.
“Choice Hotels recognizes people are its greatest asset, and fosters an environment in which all of our associates feel welcome, wanted and respected,” said Patrick Cimerola, chief human resources officer at Choice Hotels. “We’re proud to be recognized as a best place to work for LGBT equality for the eighth consecutive year, and look forward to continuing our commitment to being an inclusive, diverse and productive workplace where every associate has a voice.”
The company’s long-time commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion is driven at the top of the organization, and extends to every facet of the company. Choice Hotels supports nine different employee resource groups designed to facilitate engagement among associates, and help shape the company’s culture and business objectives. Choice is also committed to supporting a diverse franchisee base, and is the only lodging company to have an emerging markets development team with personnel dedicated to helping minorities and veterans pursue opportunities in the industry.