Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Insights from Deloitte’s Global LGBT+ Employee Survey

Inclusive workplaces have become increasingly important in recent years, with businesses seeing the benefits of having a diverse workforce. A crucial aspect of this inclusivity is the treatment of LGBT+ employees and their ability to express themselves at work. In this article, we will explore the significance of LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace, discussing the struggles that LGBT+ employees face when expressing their identity at work, and the importance of encouraging openness.

Deloitte conducted a global survey among over 5,000 respondents to gauge attitudes towards LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace. The results revealed that a significant proportion of employees attach a high level of importance to being able to freely express their sexual orientation (60%) and gender identity (75%) at work.

The Discomfort of Coming Out

Many LGBT+ employees feel uncomfortable disclosing their identity at work due to several reasons. Firstly, they fear discrimination or negative treatment. Secondly, they worry that their disclosure will negatively affect their career progression. Thirdly, they may be uncomfortable discussing personal areas of their life with colleagues whom they are not close to. Fourthly, some may not feel entirely at ease with their LGBT+ identity and may opt not to discuss it openly.

Comfort Levels and Seniority

Importantly, the level of comfort around coming out increases with seniority. Junior employees are often less comfortable discussing their LGBT+ status at work. For example, only 37% of junior employees feel comfortable sharing their sexual orientation, and only 46% feel comfortable being out with their gender identity. As employees progress to more senior positions, their comfort levels rise.

Being open with management and HR

It is crucial for employers to foster a culture of inclusivity to ensure that employees feel comfortable being open about their identity. However, a significant proportion of employees indicated that they would not feel comfortable disclosing their LGBT+ status to their direct manager or HR. Only 37% feel comfortable sharing their sexual orientation with their direct manager, and only 34% feel comfortable talking to HR.

Looking for more LGBT+ inclusive employers

The report also found that one in three of all respondents is actively looking to change employers to find an organization that is more LGBT+ inclusive. This is significant as employers who prioritize inclusivity can have an edge in their search for talent.

The Advantages of Inclusivity

Research has shown that businesses that prioritize inclusivity see a range of benefits. Firstly, inclusive workplaces have been found to be more productive, with more diverse perspectives leading to improved decision-making processes. Secondly, businesses that prioritize inclusivity often have improved employee retention, as employees feel more valued and supported. Thirdly, inclusive businesses often achieve better financial results.

Demonstrating commitment

To ensure that organizations do not fall short of employee expectations, it is crucial for employers to clearly demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion. This can include active involvement in LGBT+ initiatives, creating policies and guidelines to promote inclusivity, and offering training to staff to create a more welcoming and supportive workplace for LGBT+ colleagues.

Conversation about LGBT+ Inclusion

A crucial aspect of promoting LGBT+ inclusivity in the workplace is to have conversations around these topics. To achieve this, managers and leaders should understand how to have an open dialogue around LGBT+ inclusion. This can include providing training on LGBT+ issues, offering support to employees who may be struggling with their identity, and creating a culture where LGBT+ employees feel valued and respected.

Overall, LGBT+ inclusivity is an essential aspect of modern workplaces. The discomfort experienced by many LGBT+ employees when expressing their identity highlights the need for employers to do more to create an inclusive and supportive culture. By fostering inclusivity, organizations can create a more productive, supportive, and successful workplace. Encouraging conversations around LGBT+ inclusivity can help employers ensure that they are meeting the expectations of their employees and creating a culture where everyone feels respected and valued.

Explore more

Creating Gen Z-Friendly Workplaces for Engagement and Retention

The modern workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven significantly by the aspirations and values of Generation Z. Born into a world rich with digital technology, these individuals have developed unique expectations for their professional environments, diverging significantly from those of previous generations. As this cohort continues to enter the workforce in increasing numbers, companies are faced with the

Unbossing: Navigating Risks of Flat Organizational Structures

The tech industry is abuzz with the trend of unbossing, where companies adopt flat organizational structures to boost innovation. This shift entails minimizing management layers to increase efficiency, a strategy pursued by major players like Meta, Salesforce, and Microsoft. While this methodology promises agility and empowerment, it also brings a significant risk: the potential disengagement of employees. Managerial engagement has

How Is AI Changing the Hiring Process?

As digital demand intensifies in today’s job market, countless candidates find themselves trapped in a cycle of applying to jobs without ever hearing back. This frustration often stems from AI-powered recruitment systems that automatically filter out résumés before they reach human recruiters. These automated processes, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), utilize keyword matching to determine candidate eligibility. However, this

Accor’s Digital Shift: AI-Driven Hospitality Innovation

In an era where technological integration is rapidly transforming industries, Accor has embarked on a significant digital transformation under the guidance of Alix Boulnois, the Chief Commercial, Digital, and Tech Officer. This transformation is not only redefining the hospitality landscape but also setting new benchmarks in how guest experiences, operational efficiencies, and loyalty frameworks are managed. Accor’s approach involves a

CAF Advances with SAP S/4HANA Cloud for Sustainable Growth

CAF, a leader in urban rail and bus systems, is undergoing a significant digital transformation by migrating to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition. This move marks a defining point for the company as it shifts from an on-premises customized environment to a standardized, cloud-based framework. Strategically positioned in Beasain, Spain, CAF has successfully woven SAP solutions into its core business