A company expands its diversity effort

The1990s has been called the “decade of diversity,” and PricewaterhouseCoopers did its part.

The global accounting firm sponsored affinity groups for women, blacks and Hispanics to meet over common issues and, over time, it added a group for gays and lesbians.

Since those early days the diversity movement has become more sophisticated. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, that includes seeking out what the firm calls “straight allies.”

Those are the straight partners, associates and clients who can be depended upon to foster inclusiveness toward their colleagues who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered.

About five years ago, the firm created a board of openly gay partners to make sure the gay community feels comfortable and welcome, said Jennifer Allyn, managing director for the office of diversity at PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York.

The firm’s family leave benefits were expanded to include unmarried partners, plus it supports independent gay and lesbian events around the nation and beefed up recruiting and retention efforts in the gay community.

Now it’s focusing on straight professionals and what they can do, said Allyn.

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Houston Chronicle, United State