How to Take Real Action for Your LGBTQ+ Employees

According to a recent study, the majority of LGBTQ+ workers are not comfortable being out at work: Only 31% of respondents are out to their entire workforce. Many of these employees decide not to come out at work for fear of discrimination. 

This year, companies that want to participate in Pride should build out a comprehensive strategy to make sure their employees feel safe, supported, empowered, and included at work. Below are some questions to ask yourself as you build out a 365-day-a-year plan for LGBTQ+ inclusion:

How can employers support LGBTQ+ employees?

Create a speak-up culture where employees can show up to work as their full selves. Ask employees what they need and commit to implementing these initiatives in a robust way. This can be done via listening sessions, employee engagement surveys, open forums, and anonymous third-party reporting tools. Then communicate to employees the feedback you received and detail the changes and actions to which you are committing.

How do you engage employees in pride month?

Employers should provide workplace training that educates employees on how to recognize harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, as well as how to report this type of misconduct. Examples of topics to cover include LGBTQ+ terminology, misgendering and deadnaming, understanding and addressing implicit bias, and bystander intervention techniques. When pride month comes around, both employers and employees will already know best practices for supporting their LGBTQ+ colleagues. 

How can my organization be LGBTQ-inclusive in the workplace?

Ask your manager whether the company has policies and processes to support your queer and trans co-workers – from inclusive bathroom policies to trans health care benefits to paid parental leave for gay couples. As an individual, make sure that you feel well-educated on how to identify and address harassment and discrimination against your LGBTQ+ colleagues, and ask for training on how to be an effective bystander.

When it comes to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, actions speak louder than words. Use this Pride month as an opportunity to review your policies and procedures and create a plan to implement tangible actions to lift up the LGBTQ+ community at your organization.