Despite ongoing conversation around LGBTQ rights and inclusion in the workplace, there is a startling lack of awareness when it comes to the number of employees who identify as LGBTQ, as well as how they can feel more comfortable about being themselves at work.
Data from a recent Monster survey of workers revealed that while one in three respondents identified as LGBTQ or a member of the queer community, over half estimate their workforce's percentage of LGBTQ employees to be less than 2% (statistics on the overall LGBTQ workforce population vary; data from the WIlliams Institute reports a number of over eight million employees, or around 5.1%). Of the respondents who did identify as LGBTQ, only 19% say their coworkers are aware of their sexual orientation, compared to 45% of those who identified as straight. Another 9% say they are "out" in their personal life, but not at work.
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Employees are looking to their employers to create a culture of comfort and belonging within their organization, but may be lacking in their efforts at inclusivity. Employers can take immediate steps to rectify these issues: the first step is to communicate with workers and ask what can be done to make them feel seen, safe and heard, and then take action based on feedback, says career expert Vicki Salemi.
"Things don't change overnight; it's a consistent, intentional effort," she says. "We should be talking about it and putting action steps in place beyond June. It's important for companies to think about what works for their culture and be methodical, and most importantly, respectful of everyone."
From establishing ERGs to promoting allyship through HR policies and company language, Salemi shares how company leaders can create a culture that promotes togetherness and support for LGBTQ workers and the organization as a whole.
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