Grainger Earns Top Marks in 2016 Corporate Equality Index

CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, today announced that it earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).  This marks the second consecutive year that Grainger achieved a perfect score on this ranking.

The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.  Grainger joins 391 other major U.S. businesses that achieved top marks for 2016.

"We are proud to earn a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row," said Grainger's Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Joseph High.  "We are focused on attracting, developing and retaining top talent, and leveraging their diverse perspectives to help serve customers and communities.  When each team member knows his or her voice is heard and accomplishments recognized, we unlock the full potential of our people and our business."

The 2016 CEI rated 1,024 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community.  Grainger offers full benefits for same-sex domestic spouses and partners, and has policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  These efforts resulted in a 100 percent ranking for Grainger, as well as the designation of a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

To learn more about a career at Grainger, visit www.experiencedone.com.

For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About GraingerW.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2014 sales of $10 billion, is North America's leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products, with operations also in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

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About the Human Rights Campaign FoundationThe Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is 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 LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.