BOSTON, Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock, a division of Canada-based financial services company Manulife, proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2017 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 517 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

"John Hancock is honored once again to be recognized among the companies receiving a perfect score for LGBT workplace equality," said Sandeep Tatla, Assistant Vice President and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Manulife. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to John Hancock. We work to foster an environment that attracts and retains a top talent and reflects the customers and communities we serve."

The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 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.

Some of the key activities that helped John Hancock achieve its Corporate Equality Index score are:


    --  the efforts of its PROUD (Professionals Reaching Out for Unity and
        Diversity) employee community to promote an inclusive workplace
    --  the company's commitment to offer the same benefits coverage to same sex
        and heterosexual couples
    --  the sponsorship of local organizations that aim to make a difference to
        the LGBT community

For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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, the 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. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were $966 billion (US $736 billion) as at September 30, 2016. 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.

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SOURCE John Hancock Financial