Is Darden Restaurants really LGBTQ friendly?
Darden Restaurants has achieved a score of 90/100 on the Corporate Equality Index by Human Rights Campaign, with only one area flagged as sub-par in order for the conglomerate to reach the top score. In particular, Darden Restaurants is still not offering its employees equivalency in same- and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits, something that many other restaurant chains do provide to their staff already. Darden Restaurants is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and providing equal opportunities to all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. The company's policy also extends to its customers, with a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind. In addition, Darden Restaurants is an active supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and has supported and sponsored numerous LGBTQIA+ events and initiatives. However, Darden Restaurants has also been criticized for making political donations to lawmakers who support discriminatory, anti-trans legislation across several states. This has caused controversy, as the company's actions have been seen as contradicting its statements of support and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite the criticism, Darden Restaurants has not wavered in its commitment to equality and inclusivity and continues to strive to create an environment where everyone is respected and valued.
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Detailed information
Does Darden Restaurants have an LGBTQ inclusive culture?
Darden Restaurants has shown sustained commitment to diversity through several initiatives like training for new hires and employees, executives performance tied to diversity goals, and policies that support an inclusive culture around gender identity and self expression.
Darden Restaurants has employee groups and/or diversity councils within the company to support LGBTQ employees, and has several programs around hiring, supplier selection, marketing, and philanthropy to support LBBTQ individuals, causes, and organizations.
Three LGBTQ Internal Training and Education Best Practices
Three Distinct Efforts of Outreach or Engagement to Broader LGBTQ Community
Employee group –or– Diversity council
LGBTQ Corporate Social Responsibility
Does Darden Restaurants have inclusive workforce protections?
Darden Restaurants has inclusive workforce protections, with policies that include both sexual orientation and gender identity & expression for all operations
Policy includes gender identity or expression for all operations
Policy includes sexual orientation for all operations
Does Darden Restaurants offer LGBTQ friendly benefits to its employees?
Darden Restaurants does provide some inclusive benefits as part of their offering for US Employees, in terms of health Insurance equality for spouses or domestic partners for different-sex and same-sex couples, or equal health coverage for transgender individuals.
Equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care
Equivalency in same- and different-sex spousal medical and soft benefits
Equivalency in same- and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits
Latest news
Human Rights Campaign report on Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants has achieved a score of 90/100 on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign.
by Human Rights Campaign
Another setback for the LGBTQ community: Anti-discrimination bills stall in the FL Legislature
Forty percent of Florida lawmakers in the House and Senate are sponsoring legislation to make it illegal for an employer to fire a worker because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. But as the 2020 Florida Legislature hits its halfway mark on Wednesday, prospects for the measure remain dim.
by Florida Phoenix
Another setback for the LGBTQ community: Anti-discrimination bills stall in the FL Legislature
Forty percent of Florida lawmakers in the House and Senate are sponsoring legislation to make it illegal for an employer to fire a worker because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. But as the 2020 Florida Legislature hits its halfway mark on Wednesday, prospects for the measure remain dim.
by Florida Phoenix