Creating an Inclusive Workplace in 2020

Inclusivity in a workplace is one thing myGwork reinforces at every opportunity. A diverse workforce should be the goal for all organisations as it comes down to ensuring your employee's are being the best versions of themselves. In reality, someone's sexuality and gender shouldn't be a factor to whether they can perform the role, but still we're noticing LGBTQ+ members feeling like an outcast over something they can't help.

It came to light in a recent Stonewall Study that 35% of LGBTQ+ members hide their identity due to the fear of being discriminated. It's no shock when 18% shared they had been the targets of homophobic slurs whilst in the workplace. Whilst you may think these percentages are low, it shouldn't be an issue to begin with.

Via the study, we learn the stories of LGBTQ+ members who are victims of hate crimes. Dewi shares a moment where they were experiencing homophobic bullying:

"I have recently been off work because of stress due to homophobic bullying by my managers. While my colleagues are great, the managers are terrible. An official complaint to HR found that homophobic attitudes extend there. I have been faced with either quitting or returning. I return next week but I am feeling stressed and depressed, and at times suicidal." - Dewi - Stonewall 2018 Study

Whilst discrimination shouldn't occur, we're finding Dewi's experience shared by many LGBTQ+ members. So here are 4 ways to ensure that you're workplace is inclusive and caters for all LGBTQ+ members.

1.Deal with LGBTQ+ Discrimination Seriously

In Dewi's case, they received no help from HR when filing a report against homophobic bullying. In order to take the first steps in creating an inclusive workplace, establish regulations and safeguarding for LGBTQ+ employers. The best practice is to provide clear guidelines that this behaviour isn't tolerated within contracts and starter packs.

2. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Milestones in the Workplace

A simple yet effective way to ensure that LGBTQ+ members feel welcomed is to celebrate milestones such as LGBTQ+ History Month, Visibility days for sexualities alongside other monument days. (You can find a full list of LGBTQ+ Awareness days here). Celebrating the days that are a core part of your employee's will show a clear appreciation and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Incorporate pride into the workplace

Last year, we notice many large organisations having their own mini prides throughout pride season. To many LGBTQ+ members pride is a time to celebrate their sexuality / gender identification to the fullest. An easy way to celebrate pride season is to display rainbow flags and have a mini party celebrating those in your team. Whilst LGBTQ+ members will feel accepted, other members of the team are offered an opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ History and the importance of pride.

4. Invite LGBTQ+ Speakers to educate employee's on pressing topics

The best way to educate yourself on LGBTQ+ topics is to hear directly from community members. LGBTQ+ speakers provide insight like no other and can provide valuable information to help change policies for the better. As mentioned at myGwork one of our main goals is to create inclusive environments , so feel free to get in touch for further information regarding speakers.

In short, to create an inclusive workplace is treating individuals exactly the same no matter race, sexuality, identity, religion etc. Stories like Dewi's remind us that still in 2020, we haven't achieved equality but we can if we start taking the right steps forward.

myGwork - Charlotte Summers