Only 50% of UK and US businesses are seen as LGBT+ friendly

By Kevin Gassebner

myGwork conducted a survey, asking over 350 employees of UK and US businesses how inclusive they rate their workplace. As of June 2017, only half of the respondents see their employer as LGBT+ friendly.

The result of the study shows that while 50% of businesses were rated as “very inclusive”, 33% are seen as “fairly inclusive’ where as 15% failed and were identified as “not inclusive.”

Overall, 35% of the included companies have a physical LGBT+ network and 20% provide an online networking platform (LGBT intranet.)

The research shows that only half of the organisation rated as “very inclusive” have a dedicated diversity and inclusion manager as well as an LGBT+ network. While these aspects in combination with events and online networks seem to have a positive effect on an organisation, they aren’t necessarily the decisive factors.

The outcome of the survey shows that the inclusiveness of a company is not directly connected to increasing costs. Almost 70% of the asked individuals say it is LGBT+ inclusion policies that is the most crucial aspect a company should offer. While most companies have a general non-discrimination policy in place, very few have a dedicated LGBT+ policy that addresses the specific issues. More than 41% think team training on LGBT+ issues is important to create a truly inclusive workplace.

As thus there is a high demand for team training on LGBT+ issues, only 25% offer such.

More than 25% say they changed their job after working for a company that was not LGBT+ friendly and 40% of employees check a company’s diversity and inclusion policy before applying for a role.

myGwork, the recruitment hub for LGBT+ professionals and graduates, made it its mission to positively impact address the issue and the way the LBGT+ community is treated in the workplace and beyond. The founders Adrien and Pierre Gaubert created the network after facing discrimination and homophobia in their former jobs.

“We believe the equity of shared experience propels the LGBT community to boldly forge new ground in the global workforce, and fearlessly lead a new generation.”

myGwork offers businesses consultation and advertising services on how to implement policies focused on LGBT+ needs, that help create and maintain a truly diverse and inclusive workplace while promoting role models and job opportunities for the LGBT+ community.