5 Ways to Create an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplace
January 26, 2023Modern company success is measured in how well a business can reflect an ever-progressing society. Diversity and inclusion should be at the forefront of any industry that wishes to excel, and maintaining safety and happiness in staff from all backgrounds and identities is the key. Here are five methods to ensure both LGBTQ+ employees and business leaders can strive for an inclusive environment.
1. Use Inclusive Language
The use of inclusive language is imperative in creating a safe space at work. It may seem initially insignificant, but small changes in the language we use can hugely impact a person’s confidence and how comfortable they feel at work. Defaulting to a heteronormative mindset by assuming opposite-gendered pronouns when discussing an employee’s romantic life, or misgendering trans and non-binary staff can push people back into the closet. It’s better to ask or use inclusive gender-neutral language than to risk causing any negative psychological effect or generating a workspace that doesn’t feel safe and open.
A recent survey conducted by myGwork revealed that 9 out of 10 students and graduates would feel more inclined to work somewhere that they knew was committed to inclusion. In an ever-changing work landscape, diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of any successful business now. With the help of the brand new myGwork Academy, you can ensure that your company is up to date in displaying allyship, and that your LGBTQ+ staff feel safe, included and listened to.
With informative and interactive practical exercises, this e-learning hub will advise the best action to take regarding DE&I issues. Fast, flexible and convenient, the myGwork Academy is designed to help inspire progressive attitudes and inclusive culture in every workspace.
By working to construct an environment that is well-educated on current issues and respectful behavior, every member of staff can thrive and focus their energy on progressing company success, benefiting employees and employers alike. Check out the brand new myGwork Academy now!
3. Promote Mental Wellbeing
The well-being of staff isn’t always obvious from appearances alone. Many people who are suffering from mental health challenges keep quiet about it, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with feelings of shame, guilt or isolation. A safe workplace should always maintain a secure environment for members of staff to come forward with their struggles.
Setting up confidential one-on-one meetings with staff to check in on their well-being and mental state is one way to ensure a smoothly run office space. Creating healthy manager/employee relationships is one of the most important aspects of running a business.
4. Normalize the Use of Pronouns
Providing staff with badges/name cards/email signatures that allow for the inclusion of pronouns, prevents trans, gender-nonconforming and non-binary staff members from feeling unable to express their authentic identities. It can be quite a difficult topic to initially bring up upon joining an office, particularly if assumptions have already been made.
Also making sure to ask someone their pronouns at the interview and application stage is important to display an inclusive culture. Encouraging staff to respect pronouns is imperative, and implementing consequences for those who deliberately misgender other staff should be considered.
5. Celebrate LGBTQ+ History and Events
Beyond simply changing logos to rainbows every June, there are plenty of events and commemorative occasions for companies to show their enthusiasm and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Attending Pride parades, donating to charities or hosting charity events, and reflecting upon the community during LGBTQ+ History Month are just a handful of ways to display such support.
As well as giving advice to allies, the myGwork Acadamy will also be commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month with e-learning modules educating attendees on important matters in queer history. By signing up for the Acadamy, business managers and employees can be sure that they will be well-informed and knowledgeable on topics to help make them great allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
Sign up for myGwork's free online panel, Tales from LGBTQ+ History on Wednesday 22nd February at 4pm GMT.
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