August 18, 2022
The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus) community continues to gain visibility on a global scale. As a result, it is a growing portion of our workforce, customers, and clients. In addition, the cultural shift has given a more significant proportion of the younger generation the freedom to self-identify as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Here are 10 ways to support LGBT employees in the workplace, workers, and customers if you want to succeed in attracting the most remarkable people and providing services to a more varied and LGBTQ+ informed world. Of course, this is not a complete list, but it is a great place to start!
Ten Ways To Support LGBT Employees In The Workplace
The following are some ways:
1. Develop a Clear Mission for Supporting LGBT in the Workplace
By educating them about your inclusion policies and supporting LGBT employees through diversity training, you can clearly communicate your objective to all of your employees, including managers and senior staff.
2. Take LGBT Discrimination Seriously
Establish a strict anti-discrimination policy in your hiring and promotion procedures, ensure that all workers are aware of the conduct that is not acceptable at work, and take immediate corrective action when homophobic bullying occurs.
3. Develop Support Programmes for LGBT Employees
Mentoring, employee networking organizations, seminars, and conferences all contribute significantly to making the workplace more accepting of LGBT workers. Measures like climate surveys, LGBTQ competence training, and employee resource groups are other ways to assist employees (ERG).
4. Promote Allies of LGBT People
Drive campaigns to highlight LGBT employees’ allies, who can serve as their support systems, and promote the idea that diversity is essential to your organization’s mission.
5. Get Support from Senior Staff
Obtain the top management’s backing and elevate senior staff champions who can aid in the implementation of diversity initiatives, serve as role models for younger LGBT coworkers, and sponsor employee network organizations.
6. Support the Local LGBT Community
By informing staff members about LGBT organizations and events in the area, sponsoring a Pride Party, commemorating National Coming Out Day, promoting volunteerism at LGBT events like Pride Month, and inviting speakers to share their experiences, you can demonstrate your support for the local LGBT community.
7. Offer LGBT-Friendly Benefits
Some of the most crucial factors for job searchers to take into account are benefits packages and non-discrimination clauses, but they can unintentionally exclude LGBTQ families and transgender people. Equal benefits, such as parental leave, adoption leave, and time off to take care of dependents, should be extended to all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Keep in mind that gendered terminology can result in the unintended exclusion of LGBTQ families from parental benefits. However, by being mindful of the language you use in your coverage and leaning toward gender-neutral phrases, you may make your benefits inclusive of all employees.
8. Foster a Gender-Neutral Environment
Make a gender-neutral environment by making bold changes like installing unisex toilets and using gender-neutral languages like ‘partner’ instead of husband or wife.
9. Keep Track of Success
Celebrate your successes and keep an eye on your progress by keeping track of things like the number of employee complaints, the success rates of diversity training, the number of LGBT recruits and promotions, and the number of new hires.
10. Support Transgender Employees
Transgender persons clearly have a distinct set of experiences and obstacles, as transgender visibility within the LGBTQ community has grown over the past several years. Find out how to establish a welcoming and supportive workplace once a transgender employee comes out.
California Law against LGBT discrimination
The California anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. The LGBT community’s rights are protected under the law. When compared to federal laws, California’s LGBT discrimination laws are stricter and more favorable to LGBT employees.
If you or a family member has been the victim of LGBT discrimination, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Khashan Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.
Members of the LGBT community who were wrongfully terminated or subjected to harassment have been successfully defended by us. We are here to assist you if your employer has treated you unfairly due to your gender or sexual orientation. To submit a claim for workplace discrimination against your employer, call us at (951) 461-2387.