Turning Energy, Passion, and Allyship into Action and Outcomes: Perfect Score from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

We are elated to announce that Waters has been named one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality. This year, Waters received the highest score of 100 percent rating on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual scorecard for LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Our presence on this distinguished list demonstrates our commitment to our employees, customers, and shareholders to continue to ensure human rights are available to all people regardless of who they are. 

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:  

• Non-discrimination policies across business entities  
• Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families  
• Supporting an inclusive culture 
• Corporate social responsibility  

Waters’ efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking. 

Clearly, Waters cares deeply about improving workplace equality. Our leadership has focused on education and allyship and our new head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Jess Lee (she/her), has swiftly set out to build upon the progress across our company. Of our Employee Circles, the Pride Circle is representative of more than 100 LGBTQ+ and ally employees and continues thoughtful planning with our executive team. The Circles were founded and are led by Waters employees who share a passion to empower and engage their colleagues through education, dialogue, and outreach. We have heard that conversations in these employee circles have been the most rewarding forums for great dialogue. 

Statistic: Nearly half of LGBTQ+ employees remain closeted at work*

Waters is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity in all forms can thrive ensuring every employee feels proud to be a citizen of the Waters community.​ 

• We have a leading, and inclusive U.S. benefits package. 
• Two years ago, we implemented the Diverse Slate Recruiting initiative requiring that all employee positions have at least two diverse candidates interviewed. To help achieve this, we have developed hiring partnerships with diversity recruiting vendors aligned to our Employee Circles including Hire Heroes, PowerToFly, National Society of Black Engineers, and Out in Tech – the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ technology leaders. 

Statistic: 77% of LGBTQ+ employees consider a company reputation on LGBTQ+ issue when job seeking (out leadership) 

• To develop meaningful programs, policies, and practices, we know that this work must be pervasive across our operations. There is more work to be done. We are challenging ourselves to look externally to make an impact and beginning to expand outside the U.S. 
• Our newly established Supplier Diversity Program​ now integrates supplier diversity in all contracting and procurement initiatives within the corporation and diversifies our recruitment initiatives.  

Culture of Dignity and Respect 

Centered on the principle that no matter where you are in the world or what your identity, an inclusive workplace means dignity and respect for all.

Our President and CEO Dr. Udit Batra says:  “I am proud to represent an organization that has been recognized for nurturing a corporate culture where LGBTQ⁺ employees can bring their true selves to work, creating an environment for all of us to be successful, innovative, and engaged.”

Our authentic environment we create spans internally and externally – from our leadership, facilities, human resources, supply chain and more. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements we have made together to build towards our goal of being as representative of the society we live in. 

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion or read more about Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Index 

*Cited Sources:

Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report: A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide 

Additional Resources: 

Waters Press Release: Waters Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index

Blog: Empowering Waters Employees to be Their Authentic Selves 

Blog: Pride at Waters: Translating Passion and Vision Into Action 

Blog: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Where Diversity and Innovation Thrive