72 Percent of LGBT+ People Have Experienced Mental Health Problems Because of Work

A new study commissioned by Business in the Community with HR firm Mercer has found almost three-quarters of all LGBT+ people have experienced mental health problems because of their work.

The study also found 26 percent of LGBT+ people hide their sexual orientation or gender identity from their colleagues, out of fear of discrimination. While only 60 percent of respondents said they felt comfortable being open about their sexual orientation at work, and 32 percent of LGBT+ managers said they had not revealed their orientation to their employees. 29 percent of bisexual respondents said they actively hide their identity.

The study also found BAME people (black, Asian, minority ethnic) were twice as likely as their white counterparts to have experienced negativity from customers and clients. 7 percent said they had been psychically attacked by colleagues or customers – 15 percent of BAME LGBT+ people said they had been psychically attacked.

The study asks employers to invest in basic mental health programs for all their employees.