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Every employee is unique, and dealing with their own personal struggles. But those in the queer community continue to endure acts of violence and trauma, and there are certain aspects—such as gender identity or sexual orientation—that are predisposed for violence, discrimination, and abuse.
Research shows that 46% of LGBTQ+ employees report experiencing discrimination at some point in their careers, including work harassment, being denied a raise or promotion, being excluded from company events, or termination. One-third of LGBTQ+ employees have left a job because of the way they were treated by their employer based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Workplace discrimination has a huge human cost. Imagine being afraid to be who you are, putting up with offensive jokes and bullying on a daily basis, experiencing higher levels of stress—and not being able to escape this because you have to work for a living.
It’s critical for cisgendered or heterosexual individuals to acknowledge their own limitations, and be empathetic with the queer community and their struggles.
Establishing the right company policies can make significant strides toward making the workplace safe, fair, and accepting.
Developing inclusive company policies
Evidence suggests that workplace policies can be helpful in promoting an inclusive climate for all employees, and supporting the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ+ employees.
Companies can begin by going beyond diversity quotas and rethinking hiring processes. To sort out these particular difficulties, there are LGBTQ+ recruitment events and job ads oriented to the queer community that can be very helpful.
Next, establish policies to ensure the wellbeing and mental health of all your employees is supported—which, in turn, can improve productivity and the overall company climate.
Lastly, if your workplace hasn’t already, consider creating an ERG (Employee Resource Group) for LGBTQ+ employees.
ERGs are an opportunity to maximize the development of underrepresented groups (with mentorship, visible projects, and leadership opportunities) while building awareness and both supporting and celebrating these groups.
Putting a stop to misgendering
Organization’s need to respect and validate the sexual orientation and gender identity of their employees, which can put a stop to misgendering. One way to do this is by encouraging employees to state their preferred pronouns in their email signature.
Furthermore, most companies have established what is and isn’t acceptable behavior, which constitutes a great opportunity to state clearly these new respect-based policies.
Educate employees on every level
It is not enough to recognize pronouns. Organizations also need to provide education and training to employees, especially those with more seniority or higher positions. Workshops can be included within regular business hours to encourage employee attendance.
Being queer-friendly also involves structural updates. One of the ways to do this is adapting restrooms so all employees can use them.
This does not require construction. Gender neutral restrooms can be easily included by changing the restroom logo. If desired, restrooms for men and women can stay the same, but clearly state that they are not only for cisgendered people.
Become an ally
Our need for belonging is universal, and extends beyond our closest relationships to our workplaces, communities, and cultures.
That’s why ‘othering’ hurts so much—it violates this human need and creates feelings of disconnection, misunderstanding, and loneliness. Especially at work.
Becoming a true ally is an antidote to ‘othering’ and a way to strengthen belonging.
Modeling this essential leadership quality at every level of your organization is a powerful way to drive action and accountability, and ensure all employees feel safe and supported.
5 ways to be a supportive ally
Listen. The first and most important part of being an ally is developing your ability to listen. Recognize that when it comes to a particular group’s experiences, you may not be the authority. Make room for other voices and opinions that may make you uncomfortable.
Do the homework. Don’t claim to support a group’s cause without knowing its history and theirs, and don’t go to a friend from this group to ask for help. It’s not their job to educate you. Instead, spend some time doing research online.
Don’t practice performative allyship. Your allyship is important, but you shouldn’t use it to amplify your own image. Ensure you’re not broadcasting your allyship more than you’re acting as an ally. Don’t let a hashtag, and emoji, or an enamel pin be the only way you support a cause.
Speak up in your own circle. If someone you know exhibits hatred or prejudice toward these groups, speak up. Explain why this doesn’t sit right with you. Remember, you can call out someone’s negative language or behavior without criticizing them as a person. Be friendly but firm.
Learn from your mistakes. You’re willingly going outside of your comfort zone and relearning how to look at issues and interact with people in respectful ways. Mistakes are natural. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.
A truly queer-inclusive company
Being queer-inclusive means getting involved, educating ourselves, encouraging respect, and stepping out of our comfort zone.
Doesn’t this also constitute a way of personal growth and flourishing as human beings? We can't really improve if we keep doing the same thing forever.
As we kick off June Pride month, I hope you’ll commit to making your company more queer-friendly, and continue to support the LGBTQ+ community through your company policies throughout the year.
There is always more that can be done. Reach out to your queer employees to ask what they need to feel fully supported and included, and considering hiring a consultant with gender perspective that can help you work on further policies.
Read this blog next for more ways you can create an inclusive workplace, along with where and how to start.
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