Employee spotlights

Advocating for an inclusive environment

June 03 2024

When I joined Principal® in 2018, I was excited to be part of an organization that publicly supported the LGBTQ+ community and openly discussed the importance of inclusion in today’s workforce. I’d done my research, including checking the company’s score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which I used as a barometer for safety and acceptance.

Starting my role came with mixed emotions, because while many companies like to say they value an inclusive working environment, being an employee and spending 40 hours per week within that environment can uncover a different reality. After getting acclimated, however, I felt relieved to be able to be my authentic self with my colleagues. I didn’t receive uncomfortable questions or stares from peers when I discussed what my life and family looked like outside of work.

Still, something was missing. Warmth and acceptance are great, but I wanted to find a spot where I belonged. Then I learned about the company’s employee resource group (ERG) program—specifically the LGBTQ+ ERG, which helps provide a space for supporting and uplifting employee voices like my own. I jumped in headfirst and applied for a co-chair position. 

Along the way, I learned about our global inclusion metrics as well as how the company is ranked for the same Corporate Equality Index that I reviewed before I accepted my initial job offer. Learning all that goes into the scores and the rigor that’s taken to ensure people have a physically and psychologically safe work environment makes me proud of the 90 Principal received for 2023–2024.

LGBTQ+ resource group making an impact

But it wasn’t all roses. The LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges when it comes to acceptance and inclusive corporate policies. To those ends, the LGBTQ+ ERG leadership team worked diligently to expand inclusive language in our corporate handbook, enhance corporate benefits, and drive engagement within our community at Principal and through allyship as well. We even connected with senior leadership about how their continued accountability is invaluable to members of the community being able to flourish.

Cal and Stanley celebrating PRIDE on the Des Moines campus.

One example I’m particularly proud of is getting the adoption assistance benefit expanded to include a broader range of families.

Principal continues to hold true to its values, working toward global inclusion.

Looking to the future

As we look forward, the LGBTQ+ ERG remains committed to supporting and advocating for an inclusive environment for employees. Recognizing the holistic needs of our employees, creating opportunities for connection, and helping ERG members develop in their careers has been such a rewarding experience.

Together, we’re not only shaping the future of the organization; we’re setting a standard for inclusion and advocacy that extends beyond the confines of our workplace.

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