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Panasonic Achieves Perfect Score in HRCF's 2025 Corporate Equality Index

Panasonic Corporation of North America has proudly announced that it has received a perfect score of 100 in the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF). This accomplishment reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace that promotes equality and supports LGBTQ+ employees.

This marks the second consecutive year that Panasonic has earned this distinction, underlining its efforts to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. In total, 765 companies participated in this year’s index, with Panasonic's commitment being driven by a year-long initiative led by employees to enhance programs and policies in support of LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

“Creating a workplace that is both physically and psychologically safe for everyone is vital to Panasonic’s mission of equality, a principle deeply rooted in our founder's vision,” expressed Megan Myungwon Lee, the Chairwoman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. “We are proud to be recognized once again by the Human Rights Campaign for our ongoing efforts to implement LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies.”

Understanding the Corporate Equality Index

The CEI serves as a comprehensive benchmarking tool, evaluating businesses based on four key pillars: non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits, cultural inclusivity, and corporate social responsibility. In pursuit of a perfect score, Panasonic has taken substantial steps over the past year, including:

• - Expanding coverage for transgender-related health services.
• - Integrating concepts of intersectionality into professional training and development initiatives.
• - Instituting an inclusive restroom policy.

Furthermore, Panasonic’s PRISM Business Impact Group has played a pivotal role in advocating for a safe culture where employees can thrive in all aspects of their lives. This group has organized various events, including educational lunch-and-learn sessions covering a variety of topics related to LGBTQ+ culture and history.

Advancing Initiatives and Partnerships

Panasonic's Diversity Council has also facilitated numerous events highlighting intersectionality. These initiatives encompassed guest speaker sessions aimed at enhancing leadership and professional skills. In addition to these efforts, Panasonic has partnered with well-known LGBTQ+ influencers to highlight products that celebrate diversity and further self-expression, while also engaging in philanthropic initiatives to assist LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness.

The company remains committed to a supplier diversity policy that actively seeks to include qualified businesses owned by individuals from underrepresented groups. This encompasses minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and disabled-owned businesses, further solidifying its pledge to diversity.

RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Senior Director of Workplace Equality at HRC, noted, “The CEI is a critical resource for cultivating transparency across the corporate landscape. It ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals and their families have access to fair and respectful workplaces.” He added, “The remarkable participation growth of the CEI reflects a business community increasingly attuned to the value of equity and inclusion.”

The Growing Landscape of LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality

The 2025 CEI survey included 1,449 participants, a considerable increase from initial years, revealing the growing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality among U.S. businesses. A significant 98% of those surveyed now provide non-discrimination protections based on gender identity, enabling crucial protections for over 22 million American workers.

The full results and insights from the CEI can be accessed at HRC's official website. Panasonic's commitment to fostering a culture that embraces and supports all employees continues to set a benchmark for businesses nationwide.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is dedicated to enhancing lives and creating a better world through innovation in various sectors, including Sustainable Energy and Integrated Supply Chains. Recognized as one of Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2023, Panasonic remains a leading technology partner across sectors, ensuring that inclusivity is at the core of its business practices.