Discover Recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality

January 5, 2017

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For the fourth consecutive year, Discover Financial Services has been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign’s Annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Discover earned a perfect score of 100 in the report for advancing corporate practices, policies and benefits related to LGBTQ employees.

The CEI is a national survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. The index provides an in-depth analysis and ratings of U.S. employers, their policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees.

“Diversity is a foundation to success at Discover. When we tap into our employees’ differences we are able to come up with diverse perspectives and solutions that benefit the company,” said David Nelms, chairman and chief executive of Discover. “Discover’s CEI perfect score demonstrates the value we place on having a diverse workforce and practicing inclusive behaviors. We will continue to promote an environment that brings out the best in our employees so they can better serve our customers.”

Discover’s effort to create an inclusive culture includes employee resource groups which represent Asians, Latinos, African Americans, women, young professionals, more experienced leaders, veterans, the LGBTQ community and other related-interest groups. PRIDE, the resource group that supports LGBTQ employees, is one of more than 35 employee resource groups at Discover. These grassroots groups work with Discover leadership to drive business results, foster an inclusive environment, and promote company success in the marketplace and community. Approximately half of Discover’s 15,000 employees are registered members of at least one group.

“Through 15 editions of the annual Corporate Equality Index, major private sector employers have demonstrated over and over that inclusion is not just the right thing to do, it makes for a stronger, more successful business,” said Deena Fidas, Director of HRC’s Workplace Equality Program. “From centuries-old companies to those that have existed for just a few years, major employers have adopted LGBTQ-inclusive policies and benefits at rates that continue to outpace lawmakers and lead the way forward.”

This year, a total of 887 businesses have been rated in the 2017 CEI. Of those, 517 major businesses spanning nearly every industry and geography earned a top score of 100.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. The organization works to end discrimination against LGBTQ and achieve fundamental fairness and equality for all.

For more information about Discover’s corporate responsibility and benefits, visit www.discover.com/company/corporate-responsibility/.

For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

Source: Discover Financial Services

Discover Financial Services

Susan J. Villalobos

224-405-5344

susanvillalobos@discover.com