Splunk: Named Best Workplace for LGBTQ+ Equality. Again!

One of the strongest testaments to what makes Splunk employees unique is that our values, culture, and resilience endure no matter what challenges we face. As we were tested throughout 2021 by old challenges and new disruptions, we continued to move forward together with an unwavering commitment to being a diverse, inclusive and compassionate workplace.

I am thrilled to share a powerful example of our commitment to our people and our purpose. For the second consecutive year, Splunk named Best Workplace for LGBTQ+ Equalityafter receiving the top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmark national survey assessing corporate policies and practices for LGBTQ+ employees.

Pursuing LGBTQ+ equality is not a stagnant endeavour. As HRC continues to set ever higher expectations, we will strive to exceed them through our vigilance and optimism. This year’s accomplishment is a shining example of the commitment of Splunk’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as well as our celebration of every million Splunkers data points. I am particularly inspired by the tireless efforts of our Pride ERG, whose hard work and dedication – throughout a prolonged pandemic and remote work environment – ​​has helped ensure the deep and continued commitment of Splunk towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are some of the reasons why we have continued to uphold the honor of HRC.

Open new doors

As a company that helps organizations use data for social impact, we at Splunk were delighted to become an official partner of the Victorian Pride Center (VPC), a community center in St. Kilda, outside of Melbourne , Australia, home to key LGBTQ+ organizations. After announcing our partnership in March 2021, the Center officially opened its doors a few months later in July.

Among the many benefits, Splunk’s partnership with VPC provides the LGBTQ+ community with access to the Splunk for Good program, helping them manage their data and use it as a strategic asset. Our partnership also provided the VPC with much-needed operational funds that finalized construction of the building, while also helping to facilitate various educational programs and initiatives. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our partnership with VPC and the nonprofits that call it home in 2022.

Strengthen our links

Inclusion is a village-wide mission, which often means going beyond our own walls and collaborating with those who share our values ​​and goals. Throughout 2021 and into 2022, the Pride ERG has deepened its partnerships with several nonprofit organizations. One example is Project GenderCool, a youth-led initiative that counters misinformation and misinformed opinions with positive experiences through roundtables and engagement with transgender and non-binary youth. The partnership also serves as a resource and support for a parent group initiated by Pride ERG members who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are raising children who identify as LGBTQ+.

The Splunk Pride ERG has also partnered with Out and Equal, a leading organization dedicated to ensuring LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, by attending their annual summit and hosting grassroots education sessions on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

And for the third year in a row, Splunk was a proud sponsor of the Lesbians Who Tech Summit, the largest event for women and non-binary leaders in tech, and the largest LGBTQ+ professional event in the world. This partnership allows us to recruit more candidates from the LGBTQ+ community while providing development and networking opportunities for our current Splunkers.

In 2022, we will strengthen these partnerships and further engage our Pride ERG community with initiatives that give LGBTQ+ Splunkers a voice and a place to be authentic at work.

Celebrate with pride

While there’s still a lot of work to do, we also make it a point to celebrate our victories, our successes – and ourselves. During Pride Month in June 2021, we welcomed Rep. Mauree Turner, Oklahoma’s first Muslim lawmaker and the first openly non-binary person to be elected to statewide office in the United States. United, in a virtual Q&A exploring their journey to becoming an elected official and discussing current legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

And of course, no Pride celebration would be complete without our second annual Virtual Drag Show, held in June. In 2021, we were excited to amplify our efforts, expanding the opportunity for other tech companies to participate, with all donations supporting local drag artists and LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

A fairer future

Working for equality does not stop at one group or organization. It’s a strenuous effort that affects everyone in the community and ultimately affects all of us. Our latest HRC recognition reminds us of who we are and what we stand for as a company. It recognizes not just ERG Pride, but all of our ERGs, who strive to make Splunk a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We’ll proudly celebrate milestones along the way, work hard to protect our progress, and continue to push for LGBTQ+ equality and an ever brighter future.