Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace environment for LGBTQIA+ Employees

by Team Iamsafeatwork

31-03-2023

Safety

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. However, prejudice and discrimination still exist, and many LGBTQ people still experience difficulties in their daily lives, especially in workplace. Regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, workplace safety is a crucial aspect of making sure that employees are valued and respected. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ employees as well as offer some strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion.

The Importance of Workplace Safety for LGBTQ Employees

LGBTQ employees face unique challenges in the workplace, such as discrimination, harassment, and marginalization. A recent survey from LinkedIn put light on the concerns LGBTQ individuals about expressing their identity at work. Nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents said they don’t reveal their identities, and 26% said they were worried that doing so would make their co-workers treat them differently. 2,001 LBGTQ+ professionals in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 69 responded to the survey, which YouGov conducted for LinkedIn between April 30 and May 12. These surveys indicate the need of establishing a safe and friendly work environment that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ Employees

Employers and employees must work together to make the workplace a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ personnel. A few strategies to encourage inclusion and diversity in the workplace are presented below:

Establish a Non-Discrimination Policy

Establishing a non-discrimination policy is the first step in creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ employees. This policy should make it clear that it prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, it must specify the consequences of violating the rule, such as disciplinary measures or termination. Also, cohesive government policies are providing support LGBTQ employees against discrimination at work place. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In order to extend these protections to the community, the Canadian government updated the Human Rights Act.

Provide Diversity and Inclusion Training

Providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees can help promote understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. This training should cover topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and the importance of respectful language. It should also provide practical strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. However, there are several companies are taking initiative to provide diversity and inclusion training for LGBTQ employees which helps to create Safe and Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ Employees. The LGBTQ employees at Oracle are given opportunity to not just experience a sense of community but also to apply their particular perspective to benefit the company as a whole. Employees have access to networking opportunities, online communities for connection, business opportunities, and company events that promote awareness of LGBTQ issues through their employee resource organisation, “Oracle Pride Employee Network”. In order to assist the general wellbeing of employees, they also provide free mental health services to all employees and their families.

Offer LGBTQ-Friendly Benefits

Offering LGBTQ-friendly benefits, such as healthcare coverage for gender confirmation surgery and same-sex partner benefits, can demonstrate an employer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. These benefits can also help attract and retain LGBTQ employees. Also, there are several organizations that offer LGBTQ friendly benefits for creating Safe and Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ Employees. For instance, Progressive Insurance has been identified as one of the top insurance companies for LGBTQ employees. The organisation works to publicly interact with the LGBTQ community and offers domestic partner benefits and healthcare that is inclusive of transgender people. The Golden Rule and Integrity, two of Progressive’s Core Values, serve as an orientation for their initiatives. The company promotes bringing one’s complete self to work, fostering an environment where one can feel secure, appreciated, and welcomed.

Address Discrimination and Harassment Promptly

Addressing discrimination and harassment promptly is essential to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ employees. Employers should have a clear process for reporting incidents of discrimination or harassment, and they should take swift action to investigate and resolve these incidents. There are many employees who left their job due to sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, which is why addressing discrimination and harassment at the workplace is important. For instance, according to a 2021 study by the US-based Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, more than one-third of LGBTQ+ workers said they had quit their jobs at some point in their careers due to how they were treated by their employers as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ employees is important for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employers can take concrete steps, such as creating a non-discrimination policy, offering diversity and inclusion training, and providing LGBTQ-friendly benefits, to create a more welcoming environment. However, creating an inclusive culture calls for a sustained effort on the part of both employers and employees. Together, we can make a workplace that is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ work