Why should you care?
It’s understandable that your first question when job hunting may not be: ‘Is this employer LGBT inclusive?’. You’re more likely to be concerned with how well respected the organisation is, the opportunities for development, and perhaps the salary.
So why should you care whether an employer is LGBT inclusive?
Why do employers care?
The best employers understand that diversity and inclusion matter, that you matter.
They understand that enabling you to be yourself in the workplace will allow you to flourish.
For more than ten years, Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme has advocated the importance and benefits of diversity and inclusion among employers. We’ve done this across many sectors, from banking to construction, from local government to emergency services. Stonewall now works with more than 750 Diversity Champions who recognise and celebrate their LGBT employees.
"Go for it!" Advice from LGBT role models
We asked LGBT people in different sectors what one piece of advice they would give to another LGBT person at the start of their career. This is what they had to say...
"When you feel ready to come out at work, you will often find more support than you could ever expect. Meeting other people in the same situation as you will help you to feel less alone – so if there’s an LGBT Network, join it. Ask someone you professionally respect to mentor you – they don’t have to be in the same workplace or even the same job role." (Pierrette Squires)
Top tips for finding an LGBT-inclusive employer
So you’re looking for an LGBT-inclusive employer. Where do you start and what do you look out for? Use these top tips as a starting point when you’re scrutinising organisations you might want to work for.
1. Check the application
Do the employer’s materials mention diverse applicants? Do they welcome LGBT applicants, or make a clear statement that they don’t discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation?
Getting involved in LGBT network groups
An LGBT network group (sometimes called Business Resource Group) is an internal forum for employees at all levels of an organisation. These groups play a crucial role in advancing workplace equality in the UK and across the world. They are led by LGBT employees, so if your organisation doesn’t have one, you might be able to set one up.
Trans inclusion in the workplace
Stonewall is committed to helping organisations support their trans staff and the wider trans community they serve.
Although a big step forward, the Equality Act 2010 focuses on trans people who plan to, are undergoing or have undergone gender reassignment. This is not inclusive of the entire, diverse trans community. The most inclusive employers go above and beyond the law – incorporating non-binary identities and a range of gender expressions in their policies and activities.
Stepping up as an ally
Allies – people who actively stand up for LGBT equality even if they're not LGBT themselves – have the power to transform workplace cultures for the better. The best employers recognise the value of allies. They find innovative ways to engage allies in LGBT inclusion – from showing visible signs of support such as rainbow mugs and Come Out For LGBT posters, to running awareness-raising workshops about the challenges that LGBT people face.
Bi visibility in the workplace
For bi people, being open about their sexual orientation can be hard.
Bi identities are often dismissed and rejected by people both inside and outside the LGBT community. Sometimes bi people are even faced with intrusive questions and negative stereotypes claiming that they are ‘greedy’ or ‘indecisive’.
These forms of discrimination can extend to the workplace, with bi people often facing distinct barriers. Stonewall’s recent LGBT in Britain workplace report found that 38 per cent of bi people weren’t out to anyone at work.
Finding a global employer
More and more people are looking for employers that offer exciting opportunities to travel or relocate in a globalised world. Multinational organisations can offer just that, but at the same time many operate in countries where the experiences of LGBT people differ greatly.
While progress for LGBT rights has been made in many countries, others have become more repressive. Challenges and discrimination remain everywhere.
The Workplace Equality Index
Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is the definitive benchmarking tool for LGBT equality in the workplace. It’s a voluntary, annual exercise to help employers measure and improve their LGBT inclusion practices. Over the years, the Workplace Equality Index has grown in size and scope, becoming tougher and more competitive than ever.
