PHILADELPHIA—BAYADA Home Health Care, an international nonprofit home health care provider, earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 corporate equality index (CEI), which intends to signify a company’s leadership in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
BAYADA will join 765 other U.S. businesses that will receive the HRCF’s Equality 100 Award for excellence in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The company said it seeks to provide a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and create an exceptional employee experience. Additionally, the company aims to foster an inclusive environment in which employees are empowered to thrive, and clients receive high-quality, personalized care with a sense of well-being, dignity and trust.
“A great employee experience starts even before hiring,” said Jeff Knapp, chief people officer for BAYADA. “Our recruiting efforts are infused with DEIB principles, so every person considering BAYADA as an employer knows that no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they bring to the table, they are welcome. Earning this prestigious award is a testament to our DEIB efforts and the incredible work of our Pride Employee Resource Council. They have not only upheld the CEI criteria, but also fostered a culture of open dialogue and authenticity, allowing everyone to thrive as their true selves.”
The CEI evaluates companies on criteria in four areas:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families
- Supporting an inclusive culture
- Corporate social responsibility
“The CEI is much more than a score on paper,” said RaShawn Shawnie Hawkins, senior director of workplace equality at HRCF. “For decades, businesses have relied on the CEI as a tool for transparency and leveling the playing field, ensuring LGBTQ+ people and their families can share in fair, respectful and supportive workplaces and benefits. The year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that largely recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion.”