Nicola Robson: "I feel like it would be taking a huge step backwards if I were to join an organisation that wanted me to leave that part of me behind (Interview)"

First interview of the mygwork series #IamOutatWork, Nicola Robson, EY

Nicola Robson, a 27-year-old graduate from Northumbria University opens up on coming out at work.

Although she studied Architecture she felt like a change in career was calling and so took a job within the PTC (Personal Tax Centre) and currently work in the Customer Tax Reporting department creating share portfolios for various clients.

Have you always been out at work? How important is to be out at work?

I have not always been out at work. The first few jobs I had were part time whilst studying, it wasn’t until I was out to all my friends and family that I started to be more out and open about my sexuality at work. I think it is incredibly important to be able to be yourself wherever you are. Although my sexuality does not define me it is a huge aspect of my identity and I would never want to have to hide that part of me again.

Please, tell us about your coming(s) out. Have you ever had an especially good/bad experience because of your sexual orientation at home, university or at work? Which one(s)?

Coming out to my family and friends was the easiest part. 99% of my family were perfectly fine about it, most even said they kind of already knew! It was incredibly comforting to have the moral support from them all. Unfortunately, when I came out at one workplace whilst working in a bar I had many awkward experiences, as can be imagined the discovery of a Lesbian to many inebriated men could be quite the conversational point. I don’t mind a bit of banter, but everyone has their different limits as to what they will consider intrusive and rude. Thankfully after a few discussions they eventually learned what was appropriate and what was not.

How does your organisation support and empower its LGBT+ employees?

At EY we have the Unity network across all offices. This is a network for LGBT+ employees and allies to get involved with. The company is very open about its diversity policies and constantly hosting webinars and events to get involved with. I am currently working alongside other staff within the office to try and increase the activities occurring outside of London so that the Northern offices can be more involved.

Do you feel coming out can encourage other to come out? Has this happened to you and your colleagues? How Unity LGBT+ network can help foster LGBT+ inclusion in your workplace?

I believe that coming out can encourage others to feel safe enough to also come out themselves. Nobody should feel like they have to come out, however knowing that others are out and that no judgement will come of it in itself creates a better environment for working in.

In your opinion, how can an organisation and its clients profit from a diverse workforce?

A diverse workforce has been proven to be more effective in many areas. The ability to draw on ideas and talents from a team that have different life experiences is a powerful tool. Clients are also shown to be more likely to pay for services from a company with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

What advice would you give the younger generations of LGBT+ people looking to get started in the industry?

Always be yourself. Use your experiences and struggles that others may not have gone through in order to show your strengths. It is as simple as that really.

More and more organisations want their employees to bring their whole self to work. Would you consider working for an organisation that does not?

I don’t think I could work for a company like that anymore. I have spent my time working for LGBT+ societies at University and working with the Unity Network to promote inclusiveness and self-acceptance within the LGBT+ community. I feel like it would be taking a huge step backwards if I were to join an organisation that wanted me to leave that part of me behind.

Do you check the Diversity and Inclusion policies of an organisation and same-sex partner benefits before considering working for an organisation? Why?

One of the main reasons I wanted to work at EY was because of these policies. I plan on building my career here and staying with the company for some time. Knowing that I can work somewhere I can be myself and have the support of the company just like any other employee is incredibly important to me.