LGBTQ+ Inclusion in The Workplace: Policies and Practices for Supportive Environments
LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion is one of the topics that is talked about the most these days. It is no news that many large organizations do not practice LGBTQ+ inclusion in their workplaces. Not only are they painting themselves as negative in the environment, but they are also losing out on multiple talented individuals.
LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion is all about making people belonging to the LGBTQ community safe and included. No employee should be discriminated against in the workplace because of their gender or sexual orientation. And to maintain this is the responsibility of the workplace itself.
However, it is not as easy as it seems. There are multiple factors and steps that companies need to take to make themselves LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Learn More: Diversity In Hiring: Strategies To Build A More Inclusive Talent Pool
What Is LGBTQ+?
If you already did not know it, LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. As per the words of the US watchdog team GLAAD –
“The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning.”
The + at the end of the acronym stands as a welcoming notion for any other label or individual who does not identify as cisgender or straight.
At times, it is also preferable to use the longer version of it – LGBTQIA+. It acknowledges asexual and intersex, agender, and aromantic recognition of the term.
However, the term Queer is more like an umbrella term. It refers to all those people who do not identify as heterosexual or any other binary identity. It is important to understand that not every individual who identifies as queer would identify as LGBTQIA+.
The term queer is vastly reclaimed by the LGBTQ community, but not every member of the community is comfortable using it. So, the best thing you can do is ask people what they identify as rather than playing the guessing game.
In this generation, it is even more important to be open and accepting towards members of the LGBTQ community in the workplace. Other than one’s home, their workplace is the one area where an individual spends most of their time. So, it is necessary for anyone to be more open towards any member of the community and make them feel included.
Why Is LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Important?
An inclusive workplace is where every working member feels safe in their skin. So, if that is not the case with your workplace, you cannot call yourself inclusive.
It is quite often for LGBTQ+ members to not come out at the place they work. The most common fear is the loss of jobs, bullying, and fear of loss of opportunities. And why not? For years, and even more, LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion has been a myth. People still face a lot of discrimination when it comes to their sexuality and gender preference.
Hence, the safest resort for them is to not come out at all. As per the Human Dignity Trust,
“71 countries criminalize consensual same-sex relationships, while 15 criminalize the gender expression of transgender people. Even in countries without specific laws on the books, cultural forces and norms are often against the LGBTQIA+ community.”
So, you can imagine how tiring it might be for individuals to keep their identities hidden. And this takes a toll on their mental health. They are in constant fear that someone or the other is going to find out and how things will get once they do. No wonder they start losing morale and motivation to work. In the end, the only feasible thing they prefer to do is quit. And that is not at all a good thing for the reputation of the company.
Having LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion is just another way of empowering your employees to be themselves and give the best output at work. They may not have to pretend anymore and can put their wholehearted efforts into the work they do.
How To Promote LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion?
If you are an organization that wants to promote LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, you are on the right path. Just like any other diverse group, the LGBTQ community is not monumental. So, you need to treat them with empathy and encourage their individual well-being.
Create A Stern, Inclusive Policy
Unless you have something written, people do not consider it serious in the workplace. So, if you wish to promote LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, it is important that you have written policies that set clear guidelines to avoid any discrimination.
Use Inclusive Language
Be very attentive to the use of language in your workplace. Language is very important for people to feel empowered, protected, and included. Therefore, language is another very important thing to follow if you are trying to nurture a more inclusive environment.
Have Support Programs For LGBTQ+ Community Members
Mentoring, employee networking groups, seminars, and conferences are very important when it comes to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ members. You may use other supportive measures like LGBTQ+ climate surveys, competency training, and employee resource groups.
Offer LGBTQ+ Inclusive Benefits
Benefit packages are one of the most important elements that employees look for before joining an organization. However, these benefits may unintentionally exclude the LGBTQ+ members.
So, for companies to be inclusive, it is important that they provide benefits to employees regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Communication And Engagement
Information about the company guidelines and policies that support LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion practices and behavior must be willingly accessible to every employee, supervisor, and manager.
The more you communicate with these employees, the more you are going to be aware of the difficulties and challenges they face in their everyday lives. So, upon knowing them, you can take measures to lessen them in the workplace.
Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices
When you are making a work culture of well-being, it is important that you consider what the company sends to the public. If you are hiring for any vacant position, you need to make sure to consider everyone who applies for the position. No individual should ever be denied an opportunity just because of their sexual orientation or gender preference.
Promote Yourselves As LGBTQ+ Inclusive
Authentic representation is one of the best ways to create a more inclusive workplace. Show that you support them without any stereotypes or tokenism. Many companies use tokenism and make symbolic efforts to give an appearance of supporting minority groups while not really upholding their values. In simple words, show what you exactly are. Do not pretend to be someone in front of the public and then turn out to be someone else.
Allow People to Choose Their Own Labels
Some people are fine with labeling themselves are gay, bi, trans, queer, etc. However, others may find it offensive to give themselves labels.
As an inclusive workplace, it is important that you let people label themselves and not force them to come out. People should only come out when they feel that they are ready for it. And they should only label themselves if they wish to.
Challenges Of the LGBTQ Community in The Workplace?
Implementing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion is easier said than done. Even in 2024, people are not as inclusive as you would expect them to be. Some individuals still frown at the thought of working with people from the LGBTQ+ community.
This is a common challenge these individuals face in the workplace.
Being forceful is another challenge that they deal with. Some people like to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Hence, they choose not to be open about their sexuality in the workplace. Under no circumstances should they be forced to come out just because of workplace curiosity.
Learn More: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging: Practical Steps for Leaders
The Bottom Line
People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community usually live with an individual burden. They live with the constant fear of how people are going to react if they find out. From losing out on opportunities to losing out on jobs – they have seen it all. Personally, I feel that this is time for things to change. No one should ever be discriminated against for who they are and what they prefer. Companies need to up their game and become more inclusive as the time comes.
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upasana sarbajna
Upasana is a budding journalist who has a keen interest in writing. She considers writing as therapeutic and is most confident when she writes. She is passionate about music, movies and fashion. She writes in a way that connects with the audience in a personal level. She is optimistic, fun loving and opinionated.
