A healthy and happy workplace results in productive and motivated employees. No matter who they are, what they look like, or where they come from, everyone should be treated equally to thrive in their roles, and there needs to be culturally embedded across the organization to make it happen.
If you work for a progressive business, you already know that there are so many benefits of having an empowered team and it’s essential to be inclusive and supportive of diversity, but you also may be surprised to hear that some companies still struggle with creating an inclusive environment. In a recent survey run by SEEK, they have done a deep dive into how organisations can become allies to the LGBTIQA+ community in order to have an inclusive and happy workplace.
According to SEEK data, LGBTIQA+ employees are twice as likely to be victims of workplace discrimination when compared to their non-LGBTIQA+ colleagues. This leads to a number of serious risks such a health concerns for employees, as well as financial loss and overall company morale decline.
Image from SEEK August 2021 P.R.I.D.E Report
SEEK research also reveals that 15% of LGBTIQA+ employees have called in sick to work due to feeling unsafe, compared to 7% of non-LGBTIQA+ employees, with 11% of the former leaving a job because of this, compared to the latter’s 8%. Seeing these numbers is alarming as it shows that there is still quite a way to go in understanding this issue and that we need to educate ourselves to challenge biases around gender and sexuality.
At Lotus People, believe that Australian workplaces can all do better when it comes to supporting the LGBTIQA+ communities, addressing discrimination, and creating a safe working environment for all. To help demolish career barriers, reduce workplace discrimination, and be better allies at work and at home, we’ve put together some ways that organizations can support this movement:
1. Develop a Clear Mission for Supporting LGBTIQA+ in the Workplace
Communicating the mission loud and clear as a company. Creating strong inclusion policies and strategies is a fantastic starting point. This can be a point of discussion every time an employee is onboarded so that it’s immediately established that the company has zero tolerance for any kind of bullying or discrimination.
2. Pronouns Matter
A simple but strong way to show support is to encourage employees to include their preferred pronouns as a way to affirm their gender identity. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronouns, it can make them feel invalidated and dismissed, so it’s important to be mindful of how your LGBTIQA+ employees want to be referred.
Doing this also shows to everyone that the company appreciates and celebrates differences in others, creating an environment of equity and opportunity.
3. Active Allyship
Displaying LGBTIQA+ friendly signage or icons show that the workplace is inclusive and a safe space is a great start, but it can go beyond that too. Communication is always key and it’s important for everyone to know that they have the support they need at work and outside. This can be applied through simple group conversations, surveys, engagement with local LGBTIQA+ communities, or even launching company support programs highlighting diversity.
In short, championing the message that diversity is part of your organisation’s mission can make a huge impact on your team and business.
Australian workplaces have gone a long way when it comes to showing support to LGBTIQA+ movements, but it is evident that we still have space for creating an even better space for all. We hope that this has helped you find ways to promote and celebrate inclusion, diversity, and empowerment in your workplace!
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