The Hartford proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This marks the eighth year The Hartford has received this recognition.

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In celebration of Pride Weekend in the city of Hartford, The Hartford showed its pride with this ban ...

In celebration of Pride Weekend in the city of Hartford, The Hartford showed its pride with this banner at its headquarters. (September 2015) (Photo: Business Wire)

“The Hartford is honored to be recognized as a top workplace for the LGBT community,” said Marty Gervasi, head of human resources at The Hartford. “We know that a culture that values diversity and cultivates an inclusive work environment improves the experience of our employees and helps us better serve our customers and business partners.”

The Hartford has a long history of supporting diversity in the workplace, and proudly supporting the LGBT community. Gervasi serves as executive sponsor of The Hartford’s GLOBE (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Organization Benefiting Everyone) employee resource group, which led the way as The Hartford’s first employee resource group, established in 1996.

The Hartford’s GLOBE employee resource group champions the growth and development of its members by providing the company with a center of expertise for LGBT awareness, networking and business practices. Earlier this year, The Hartford voiced its support for same-gender marriage though an amicus brief filed by the business community with the U.S. Supreme Court.

GLOBE is one of The Hartford’s eight employee resource groups that support diversity and inclusion in the workforce. For more, visit http://thehartford.com/our-company/diversity.

“In this 2016 Corporate Equality Index, hundreds of major businesses responded to our new standards for workplace equality with exceptional leadership,” said Deena Fidas, HRC Foundation Workplace Equality Program Director. “The Hartford not only meets these standards, it goes above and beyond the call of duty, making commitment to equality a fundamental aspect of its corporate values."

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community. The Hartford’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality. The Hartford is one of 407 major U.S. businesses to earn top marks this year.

For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About The Hartford

With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.

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