Zendesk
Corprate Bias Ratings
Risk Level:
Summary:
Zendesk, which is a software as a service company, vets vendors according to LGBTQ policies and does not protect its employees against viewpoint discrimination. However, the company has not publicly terminated business relationships based on views or beliefs. Zendesk has been accused of being "hostile to dissenting viewpoints" and is in discussions with activist investors to change leadership. The company covers up to $3,000 in travel costs for employees, spouses, and dependents each year for abortions. Zendesk has donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The company endorses the Equality Act and is a corporate partner of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). However, Zendesk does not discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving. For these reasons, Zendesk receives a Medium Risk rating.
Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.
Zendesk received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index. Among other requirements, this means the company has a written policy pledging to vet vendors for LGBTQ policies (1)(2). Zendesk was accused by investors of being “hostile to dissenting viewpoints” and is in talks to change corporate leadership because of these discussions (3)(4). However, the company has not publicly fired customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs.
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
Zendesk does not appear to discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving (1).
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
Zendesk does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (1).
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
Zendesk has a perfect score on the HRC’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index. This score indicates the company covers the cost of “medically necessary transition-related care” for its employees and their children (1)(2). The company has donated to SPLC and the HRC and is a corporate partner of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (3)(4)(5). Zendesk offers $3,000 annually to reimburse employees, spouses, and dependents that travel to get an abortion (6). The company has donated nearly $5.2 million for nonprofit organizations to leverage its support tools for LGBTQ groups and encourages clients to donate as well (7).
Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.
Zendesk does not operate a PAC at this time (1).
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
November 30, 2023
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