A New Frontier

Industry firms on the 2011 list all include the latter two criteria in stated policy. But for many, LGBT issues are a new frontier, acknowledges Rochelle Diamond, chairwoman of the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. “We're all human beings, working toward the mission of providing a motivated future workforce,” she says.

Such policies do not automatically mean an LGBT employee will feel comfortable bringing a partner to a firm function. “We're probably not consistent across the board” of interpersonal tolerance, says Van Cleave, “but our clients say this is important.”

CH2M Hill Cos. has won a number of awards for its diversity efforts, says John Madia, HR director. “Diversity is really about diverse thoughts and perspectives. We tend to categorize it as ethnicity and so on, but that's a rather shallow definition. It's about respect for people who bring value to the company. It's not about hiding behind biases.” People have to recognize the world is changing very quickly, no matter where a firm is based, says Madia. “If we can reflect the markets in which we work, that's always a good thing. It rises above personal thoughts.”

Denny Dahl, HR director at PCL Construction, cites the firm's employee ownership for its six-year Fortune list ranking. “We have unusual policies, like unlimited sick days. The idea is that you treat me as a responsible adult, and that's how I'll behave,” he says. “But we're not as diverse as we'd like to be.”

He says that, last year, PCL donated to 230 community groups that, in turn, will reach out to high schools, encouraging young women and minorities to consider careers in construction.