LinkedIn Survey: LGBTQ Inclusivity at Work Makes or Breaks Employment
Pride Month just concluded, and now more than ever, there is an obvious increase in companies taking the opportunity to show support for LGBTQ inclusivity. For example, you might have noticed a company or two that changed its logo to include the Pride flag, only to revert back to its standard logo on July 1. However, true workplace support comes from year-round acceptance and inclusivity toward diverse employees.
LGBTQ inclusivity is a huge factor in supporting employment for the LGBTQ community. For many LGBTQ workers, a welcoming place of employment where they can express themselves authentically is a necessity.
According to a survey by LinkedIn, 75% of LGBTQ workers say it is important they work at a company where they feel comfortable bringing their full self to work. Working at a company that does not support LGBTQ inclusivity oftentimes makes them feel unsafe and unwelcome.
More than 60% workers say they would leave their current job if they could not feel comfortable expressing their LGBTQ identity.
When a company chooses to ignore current social climates and anti-LGBTQ legislation, LGBTQ workers feel invalidated. More than 33% of LGBTQ people believe their company has made them feel unsupported and unheard amidst ongoing news around anti-LGBTQ legislation, while 36% of LGBTQ workers say that they would find other employment if their company didn’t speak out against discrimination.
When we have to conceal our true selves, whether it be for safety or to appease others, it can cause a huge strain on mental health. For many, a lack of acceptance at work can result in not only looking to find a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment but also exhaustion from spending time and energy hiding their true identity at the workplace, including not wanting to attend workplace outings. Half of LGBTQ workers say that anti-LGBTQ legislation has affected their mental health, with 35% look to their company to provide additional mental health resources.
While discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity has been illegal since June 15, 2020, many companies continue to struggle to cultivate an environment reflective of the nondiscrimination policy in place.
Not only is the LGBTQ community underrepresented in the workplace, but 36% of workers experience less career advancement.
Unnoticed discrimination like this is still a contributing factor when it comes to an unwelcoming workplace atmosphere lacking diversity.
In today’s workplace, ensuring equality, inclusivity, and unbiased acceptance is crucial to creating a work environment where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feels welcome.
