Company earns 100 percent rating on the human rights campaign foundation's 2011 corporate equality index.

For the seventh consecutive year, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has been named one of the 'Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality' as a result of the 100 percent rating it earned on the 2011 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

The annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, is America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

The CEI is the primary method for businesses to benchmark and evaluate their policies, practices and diversity efforts relating to LGBT workers. The index evaluates non-discrimination policies, benefits, diversity training and other internal resources for LGBT workers, as well as external support for the LGBT community. The CEI report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei

The "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality" distinction is awarded to businesses that scored 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2011 Corporate Equality Index.

This year, Hyatt Hotels Corporation joins the ranks of 336 other major U.S. businesses that received a perfect score on the CEI in recognition of the treatment of LGBT employees and consumers, as well as LGBT-related policies and practices including nondiscrimination policies, transgender health benefits and domestic partner benefits.

"With the amount of time people spend at work, having strong protection on the job make a real difference in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "By mandating equal opportunity in hiring, ensuring equal compensation through medical and family benefits, and promoting inclusive and equal workplaces for LGBT employees, these companies are a model for other employers and federal and state governments."

"We are proud that for the 7th year in a row we are among the growing number of companies listed on the 2011 Corporate Equality Index," said Robb Webb, chief human resources officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "Hyatt is honored that our continued commitment to an open and inclusive workplace has once again been recognized by HRC."

Hyatt's 100 percent rating includes perfect marks in Hyatt's protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, parity of health care benefits for domestic partners and other pertinent criteria. Over the years, Hyatt's significant commitment to the LGBT community has generated other accolades and recognition including: 

• Advocate Magazine named Hyatt as one of the "Top-Ten Gay Friendly Employers in America"
• DiversityInc Magazine rated Hyatt among the "Top Companies for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees"
• Hyatt is a long time supporter and partner of GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and IGLTA, the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association

Additionally, LGBT employees at Hyatt properties enjoy domestic partner benefits, which include health insurance, medical leave, bereavement pay, and relocation expenses.

Hyatt remains steadfastly committed to diversity in the workplace and welcomes all communities into its hotels around the world.

The 337 businesses with the 100 percent ranking will be honored on March 23 at the Seventh Annual LGBT Workplace Awards Seminar and Reception hosted by Time Warner at the Time Warner Center in New York.