How do companies create a genuinely inclusive and supportive environment for their LGBTQ+ employees?

In our recent OnePoll Pride survey, 36% of LGBTQ+ Americans said they worry they won’t get the same level of respect as their coworkers because of who they are. One in three said they worry about workplace bullying and discrimination.

Our research confirmed that people still pick and choose when to bring their whole selves with them in different parts of their lives. Only one in five described themselves as ‘open’ at work.

We conducted the online survey in June to mark Pride Month and, while it was important to us to share the results, we wanted to do more than simply write up the findings and leave things there.

Sharing experiences 

At 72Point, we have a monthly ‘Culture Club’ – a safe space where staff are invited to learn more about each other’s cultures, identities, beliefs and backgrounds. During June’s Culture Club we discussed the findings of our OnePoll Pride survey and shared our own experiences.

As a group, we talked about ways we think companies can foster an environment where you can bring your ‘whole self’ to work.

True representation

For me, I think the most noticeable thing a company can do is to make sure they hire a solid amount of LGBTQ+ workers. This will immediately create inclusion and a safety group for those who are nervous to be their true selves. Representation truly matters. 

This also goes for leadership positions. Having someone in any minority group in upper management shows that there are growth opportunities for someone like themselves and that you won’t be a casualty from unconscious bias in the workplace.

A third way to provide earnest support of employees is to host educational workshops and have internal initiatives/ trainings – this shows that the company as an authentic ally. *(See our resource links at the end of this page)

Moving in the right direction

There were encouraging findings in our Pride survey, but clearly much more needs to be done:

• Two-thirds of those polled said they are protected under an employee code of conduct.
• Another third said their company has an equal opportunity policyfor its employees. 
• One in five of the employersdescribed by our panelists celebrate Pride Month at the workplace.
• 16% offer educational resources about sex and gender-based discrimination in the workplace. 

Feeling comfortable at work

I believe we have a diverse and inclusive team here at 72Point. This discussion and our regular Culture Clubs are proof that the company is making efforts to learn from each other on how to be better allies. I’ve personally felt supported and comforted by not only my own department but the wider team in being myself.

By keeping an open dialogue and continuously asking LGBTQ+ employees what the company is doing right and what they can improve upon is a productive step to ensure long term inclusivity.

What more can we do at 72Point?

There are relatively simple measures we can introduce to make the day-to-day working environment even more inclusive:

• Asking for preferred pronouns during induction/ onboarding is an important step to ensure the employee feels seen and at ease being themselves. Updating email signatures to include pronouns is also a great step to make sure those we work alongside within and outside of the company get our preferred pronouns correct
  
  
• To show ongoing support, I think the company could have more involvement with charities and missions that support underrepresented groups. This can include LGBTQ+ initiatives. We have chosen charities to support and donate to in the past, but I think we could make a more formal selection process and explore other ways to get involved.
  
  
• When employees travel for work, it would be great to have a list of places that are LGBTQ+ friendly in the cities where we have offices. That way we have an immediate list of recommended venues we know are safe to visit when travelling.

At the end of the day, feeling comfortable and valued in the workplace is important for all employees. Companies need to facilitate open discussions, equal representation and a respect for and understanding of all co-workers. With this in place, you can create a healthy environment for your team to feel comfortable and happy to bring their whole selves to work.

Allen Martinez
Account Manager, 72Point Inc

*Useful links:

Forbes: Four ways companies can make workplaces more LGBTQ inclusive

The Muse: 8 steps leaders can take to make their workplaces more LGBTQ-inclusive

Human Rights Campaign, resources: workplace

Gladd's Together Campaign