The 27 best insurance workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees

Attendees during the annual Pride parade in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Brussels is threatening action over an LGBTQ law that could involve cutting funds to Budapest; Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed to put what he calls the protection of children against homosexual content to a referendum. Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
Attendees during the annual Pride parade in Budapest, Hungary, on July 24, 2021.
Akos Stiller/Bloomberg

Insurance companies, like companies across sectors, are grappling with a talent shortage. In a Digital Insurance survey, "competition for talent" was ranked as high as "climate risks" on a list of threats to insurance business growth this year.

But attracting the best workers for insurers' digital transformation needs means more than just the best food in the break room. That's why as part of Insurance Careers Month, the week of Feb. 7 is themed toward taking action to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the insurance industry.

Last month, the Human Rights Campaign released its 20th Corporate Equality Index, which rates companies’ policies, practices, and benefits for LGBTQ+ employees. Many of the more than 1,000 rated companies are insurance carriers.

HRC rates:

  • Workforce protections for sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Medical and other benefits for spouses, domestic partners, and transgender people
  • Internal education, LGBTQ+ resource groups, and outreach or engagement with LGBTQ+ communities

These standards are reviewed and raised each year, however. Next year, according to HRC:

  • The minimum requirements for transgender-inclusive healthcare policies have been increased.
  • A new category has been created centering on family formation that works to ensure equitable access to family benefits for same and different sex legal spouses and domestic partners.
  • An ease of access to benefits information is now required for transgender healthcare benefits, family formation and HIV/AIDS health benefits coverage.
  • At least one employee training integrating concepts of intersectionality will be required.
  • Employers will be required to implement at least one self-ID data collection practice—for example, confidential surveys, human resource systems, or a mechanism for board members to self-ID.
  • Gender transition guidelines are required as well as implementing at least one additional transgender-inclusion best practices, such as gender-neutral restrooms and inclusive dress codes.

Following are the P&C and life insurance companies that received a score of 100 in HRC’s report.

American Family Insurance

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Chubb

CNA

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CSAA

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Farmers

Farmers Insurance headquarters building
Farmers Insurance headquarters in Los Angeles. In November, the carrier announced the acquisition of three companies: Kraft Lake Insurance Agency, Western Star Insurance Services and Farmers General Insurance Agency.

First American Financial

The Hanover

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The Hartford

Headquarters of The Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut
Headquarters of The Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut

Liberty Mutual

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Nationwide

Nationwide headquarters in Ohio
Nationwide Plaza One in Columbus, Ohio.

State Farm

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State Farm corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois

Travelers

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USAA

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JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.com

AXA Equitable

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CNO

CUNA Mutual

Genworth

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Guardian Life

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John Hancock

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Lincoln National

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MassMutual

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MetLife

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New York Life

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Northwestern Mutual

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The Principal

Prudential

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Sun Life

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