MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the second consecutive year, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®) has received a score of 100 percent on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality. This index is administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Allianz Life is among 609 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

“We’re proud to again be recognized by the HRC for the work we do to foster a culture of acceptance and respect,” said Allianz Life Chief Human Resources Officer Suzanne Dowd Zeller. “At Allianz Life, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where every person feels connected and is able to contribute their talents and offer their perspectives.”

Supporting a diverse workforce is a key factor in the overall success of Allianz Life. The company supports employee-led groups known as Employee Resource Groups that are based on a demographic or identity and are focused on building resources, advocacy and allies. One of these groups, Encore, helps the Allianz Life LGBTQ community and employee allies through inclusion, engagement, education, community involvement and outreach. Encore also networks with other companies, participates in Twin Cities LGBTQ events and supports local and national equal rights initiatives.

The 2018 CEI rated 1,084 businesses, evaluating LGBTQ-related policies including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Employers that earn a 100 percent rating on the CEI have satisfied all the criteria established for that year and are recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ equality. The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. View the entire 2018 CEI here.

In addition to this honor, Allianz Life has earned three top workplace awards in 2017. The company was named on the 100 Best Companies to Work For® list by FORTUNE, on the Star Tribune’s Top 100 Workplace list and on the Working Mother 100 Best Companies of 2017 list.

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2017, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. In 2016, Allianz Life provided a total of $2.6 billion in benefit payments that supported policyholders’ financial objectives. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees in more than 70 countries worldwide. More than 85 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.