BOSTON, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock, the U.S. Division of Manulife, proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. John Hancock joins the ranks of 366 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

Lisa Ryan, Vice President, Global Talent & Succession, John Hancock, said, "We are very pleased to be recognized by HRC for our policies which embrace diversity in all its forms, including having an inclusive workplace for all LGBT employees."

The 2015 CEI rated 971 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. John Hancock'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.

One of the initiatives key to achieving a top score for John Hancock was the parent company Manulife's newly founded Professionals Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity (PROUD) community, a grassroots organization that aims to promote an inclusive workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees in order to promote their full and unencumbered contribution to the Company.

For more information on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

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 John Hancock Financial and Manulife

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$663 billion (US$591 billion) as at September 30 2014. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com

SOURCE John Hancock Financial