Better together.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that not everyone has had the same experiences—that below the surface, a complex identity exists. Yet the way we think and talk about diversity is usually based around what we can physically see—attributes on the outside like age, gender or race. In those scenarios, someone looking for a company that offers a good fit could simply look at a snapshot of employees and conclude, “Hey, that looks like a diverse crowd I could fit into!” But when diversity comes from within and isn’t visible—like sexual orientation—suddenly trying to identify a company as a comfortable place to work gets to be a bit more challenging.

These were the insights shared by graphic designer Robert Dumville in response to some very exciting news —Kohler received a 90 out of 100 rating on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual rating by the Human Rights Campaign that measures how well a workplace fosters LGBTQ equality.

“The LGBTQ workforce often gets caught up in the business of editing by necessity. Editing pronouns, editing stories, editing behaviors and mannerisms and clothing, editing our best selves to just be the selves we think people want to know,” Robert explained. “That constant effort takes away from the effectiveness of a person. The confidence and ability necessary to show up and do great work is compromised.”

Kohler is committed to building an inclusive environment, and that goes beyond just a basic non-discrimination policy, including equitable benefits for LGBTQ associates and their families, ongoing education and a public commitment to equality.

“A CEI score of 90 means Kohler understands that I am a valuable resource with an inimitable viewpoint,” said Robert. “It means I can be my best, fullest self without distraction or disruption, and that benefits us all.”