Why is LGBTQ+ inclusion important?
35% of LGBTQ+ employees have admitted that they have hidden their identity whilst at work, and 46% of LGBTQ+ workers have stated that they have experienced unfair treatment in the workplace due to their sexuality. This could include discrimination, harassment, underrepresentation and isolation. These statistics highlight that this is an ongoing issue, and that society may not actually be making the progress that we initially thought it was. It is vital that employers adapt to and prioritise their employee’s needs, implementing strategies and extra support systems to try and overcome this issue.
Here are 3 ways you can create an inclusive workplace environment;
Policy Development
Introducing a comprehensive inclusivity and non-discrimination policy would be the first step to making change. These policies should prohibit discrimination of any nature, establish a clear procedure for reporting any sort of harassment or discrimination, and they should also state the repercussions for these actions. If you already have these existing policies, ensure that you take the time to re-enforce them and remind your employees of their importance.
Training and educating
Harassment can be intentional, and in some cases can be a result of being uneducated on the topic and on people’s experiences. Implementing training on harassment and discrimination could potentially open people’s eyes to the genuine struggles that the LGBTQ+ community go through on a daily basis. Additionally, it can also make people aware that their ‘jokes’ can be harmful, these educational resources will reduce the possibility of ‘unintentional offences’ such as inappropriate jokes and leave employees with no excuses for their discriminatory actions.
Build a clear support structure
Having a structural support system in the workplace is fundamental for establishing inclusivity. You can build a stronger support system in many ways, starting with ensuring your Human Resources team are educated on the matter. Your HR team needs to use the correct pronouns, make the correct amendments to documents and also make it clear that they are there to support and communicate privately.
Another way to display your support of your employees is to promote their successes and important events, such as Pride Month. Something as simple as a social media post or a blog can make all the difference in making people feel celebrated and supported.
Conclusion
At Service Care Solutions, we recognise the importance of prioritising our employees' needs and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. By implementing strategies such as policy development, training, and building robust support structures, we can create a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. At Service Care Solutions, we are committed to this mission and pride ourselves on our three values: integrity, relationships and hard work.
By taking these steps, employers can not only support their LGBTQ+ employees, but also enhance overall workplace morale and productivity. Businesses need to work together and make every month as inclusive as Pride Month, ensuring that all employees can bring their true selves to work.
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