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To highlight companies that are making significant efforts to ensure all employees feel valued and respected, Newsweek unveiled May 29 its America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2024 ranking. 

Now in its second year, the list recognizes the top 400 companies evaluated across more than 60 industries. Ten companies from New Jersey earned a spot on the ranking. 

To determine the results, the publication partnered with Plant-A Insights Group on a five-part evaluation, including interviews with more than 29,000 LGBTQ+ employees, who gave more than 205,000 company reviews. 

Additional metrics included discussions with human resources professionals and a review of publicly accessible data for U.S. companies that employ more than 500 employees in 2023. The top-scoring companies were listed with 4, 4.5 or 5 stars. 

‘A powerful message’

“This honor highlights those exemplary organizations that are not only setting the standard but are also dedicated to creating environments where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated,” Josh Smith, Newsweek’s director of growth and strategic partnerships, said in a statement. “Each company recognized today has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that supports and empowers every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”  

In the list introduction, Nancy Cooper, Newsweek’s global editor in chief, said the ranked companies send “a powerful message to clients and customers that a more supportive workplace benefits everyone.” 

Smith added, “We believe that inclusivity drives innovation, and these workplaces are leading the way forward for a more equitable future.”

The New Jersey firms named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ are:

5-star rank: 

Academy Bus, Hoboken
Industry: Passenger transportation
Number of employees: 1,000-4,999
Revenue: $100M to $1B 

Conduent, Florham Park
Industry: Technology services
Number of employees: 5,000+
Revenue: $1B to $10B

4.5-star rank: 

Ascena Retail Group Inc., Mahwah
Industry: Apparel, footwear & accessories
No. of employees: 5,000+
Revenue range: $1B to $5B 

Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
No. of employees: 5,000+
Revenue range: $10B+ 

Securitas Security Services USA, Parsippany
Industry: Security & alarm services
No. of employees: 5,000+
Revue range: NA 

Verizon Communications Inc., Basking Ridge
Industry: Telecommunication services
No. of employees: 5,000+
Revenue range: $10B+

4-star rank: 

H&M International Transportation, Newark
Industry: Freight transportation
No. of employees: 1,000-4,999
Revenue range: $250M to $500M 

Imperial Dade, Jersey City
Industry: Commercial equipment & supplies distributors
No. of employees: 1,000-4,999
Revenue range: $500M to $1B

J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Hackensack
Industry: Commercial & industrial engineering
No. of employees: 1,000-4,999
Revenue range: $250M to $500M 

Saker ShopRites, Holmdel
Industry: Food & beverage retail
No. of employees: 5,000+
Revenue range: $1B to $10B 

“We are honored to receive this recognition. Securitas’ greatest asset is its people. We embrace authenticity and strive to create a culture where our employees feel safe, belong, and are accepted for who they are and how they express themselves,” Chrissy Toskos, chief human resources officer, Securitas North America, told NJBIZ in a statement.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:19 p.m. ET June 7, 2024, to include a statement from Securitas.

See also:

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bipartisan measure into law earlier this month establishing a certification for LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Click here to read more.