LGBTQ+ team members at UnitedHealth Group share what Pride means to them
Key takeaways
- UnitedHealth Group is celebrating the voices of our LGBTQ+ employees this Pride Month and every day.
- Learn more about what Pride Month means to our team members.
- We are honored to be recognized on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index 2023-2024, earning the distinction as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.”
At UnitedHealth Group, Pride Month is a time for our people to celebrate their authentic selves and the inclusive culture we strive to foster. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion isn't just a one-month endeavor; it's part of every conversation and interaction in our workplace, where we aim for every employee to feel welcomed, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
UnitedHealth Group named “Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion”
We are honored to be recognized on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index 2023-2024, earning the distinction as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion”, as well as one of "America's Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+" by Newsweek. While this is an exciting milestone, our focus remains on learning and growing every day to better support our employees.
The significance of Pride at UnitedHealth Group
For many of our employees, Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it's a reflection of their everyday lives and work experiences. Desiree M., an RN clinical program manager, shares what Pride Month means to her:
"Having the ability to represent our community with dignity, self-respect and most importantly, self-love is something I am thankful for each day."
Desiree, along with her wife, plans to celebrate Pride by "getting involved in community events that encourage acceptance and humanity."
Kari F., an EAP Counselor, reflects on the personal significance of Pride, recalling marching in the Pride parade with her fellow Optum employees—a moment of profound community and visibility.
“Pride month provides a high-energy time of the year for everyone to embrace who they are and love who they want," says Kari.
Win A., a service delivery leader and Pride at UnitedHealth Group Philippines chairperson, highlights how Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and inclusivity.
“The significance of Pride extends beyond just the celebration and visibility. It serves, really, as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for LGBTQIA rights.”
Inclusion in action
Our dedication to inclusivity extends beyond employee celebrations. We have established initiatives and resources to ensure all employees feel supported. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are designed to ensure representation across all levels of the company, including LGBTQ+ individuals, military members, veterans and persons with disabilities.
The PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) and LGBTQ+ Inclusion Pods are pivotal in fostering an inclusive workplace. Employee Resource Groups offer a platform for employees to connect, share experiences and contribute to diversity initiatives while Inclusion Pods provide mentorship and leadership guidance to individuals from our ERG communities. Desiree M. notes, “I am so happy here. I feel genuinely happy to come to work every day because of the fact that I am accepted, appreciated and included.”
Continuous progress
As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on our progress, we remain committed to enhancing our workplace culture to ensure every employee, regardless of their background or identity, feels valued and heard.
As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we invite you to learn more about our diverse culture and explore our connected communities. Join us in celebrating Pride not just this month, but every day at UnitedHealth Group.
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