5 key practical tips that businesses can adopt to make their workplace more LGBTQ+ inclusive. Inspired by some of the best-performing organisations within the UK Workplace Equality Index.
“We spend most of our lives at work, so getting workplace inclusion right makes a huge difference in the lives of so many LGBT people.” -Sanjay Sood-Smith, Executive Director, Stonewall.
1.Organise Events to Raise Awareness of LGBTQ+ Inclusion.
Deliver sessions that will raise awareness of mental health within the LGBTQ community, tackling LGBTQ+ sexual harassment in the workplace and Pride Month events.
2.Champion Allies.
Encourage employees who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ to step and become an ally, visibly showing their support to the community. E.g. offering items such as rainbow mugs or lanyards to be used in the workplace.
3.Review and Refine Diversity and Equality Policies.
Ensure all policies are fully inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, including pensions, leave policies and health insurance.
4.Mandatory Training Programmes for Recruitment.
Training for all employees with recruitment responsibilities to help understand barriers faced by LGBTQ+ employees and how to implement a fair and inclusive recruitment process.
5.Ensure Senior Support.
Ensure that senior leaders actively communicate support for inclusion to emphasise the message that diversity is accepted and celebrated across the organisation.