Creating Inclusive Workplaces: How HR Can Support and Empower LGBTQ+ Employees
No matter what company or organisation someone works for, they all deserve to be a part of an environment which they feel safe and respected in. But for some LGBTQ+ employees, there may be invisible barriers that are not seen by other employees, but can impact their sense of belonging in the workplace. Research shows that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ employees hide their identities at work, highlighting the fear and discrimination these employees still face. Management and HR play a crucial role in ensuring the culture they foster becomes an empowering and inclusive workplace, and here are a few ideas to help make your business a great place to work for all employees.
Set the standard
Promoting equality and equity isn’t just a one off project, it’s a sustained commitment that should be ingrained into your company’s goals and ethos. Educate staff on how to communicate with respect, and correct pronoun use. Adding pronouns in email signoffs across the board will help to normalise the different ways people can express their gender.
Make sure to further this education with DEI training which is mandatory and regularly conducted, and encourage courteous conversation and allyship around DEI to help protect your employees sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, in line with legal requirements.
Create gender-neutral spaces
Gender-neutral toilets may seem insignificant in the scheme of things, but for transgender and non-binary employees gendered toilets can force them to make an uncomfortable choice that may not align with their identity, or expose them to discrimination or harassment. Creating gender-neutral facilities reduces LGBTQ+ employee’s worries of being questioned or singled out for their choices. Gender-neutral toilets are also convenient for employees with caregivers or require more privacy when using facilities, so implementing this can benefit the wider team, or accommodate any future employees who are differently abled.
Celebrate and champion equality
It’s also important to celebrate diversity year round, as some companies are branded as “rainbow washing” – only highlighting the benefits of diversity during Pride Month. Plan fundraisers to raise money for LGBTQ+ charities and share stories of LGBTQ+ events in the local area on your communal notice boards or internal comms. Encourage your employees to feel proud of who they are, no matter their background or how they present themselves, to encourage a more diverse and inclusive outlook for all members of your team.
Get the best from your team
Inclusivity within the workplace benefits not only your employees, but your business as a whole. The more inclusive an organisation is, the more engaged and motivated their team will be. This motivation will help to retain top talent, and encourage new talent to join a progressive workplace. Enshrining equity & equality into policies, workplace culture and wider leadership can help ensure LGBTQ+ employees and all employees feel value, and able to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
