How to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace
Nine (9) suggestions to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace:
1. Start or join a workplace Pride/LGBTQIA+ ERG
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) strengthen workplace relationships, foster a sense of belonging, promote personal and professional growth, and ultimately nurture the entire community within the company by bringing allies and the curious along on the journey.
2. Share how you #Inspire Inclusion
Acknowledge that inclusivity is a journey. Find the path that feels most comfortable for your business to authentically show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Days are a good place to start but keep up the action all year round to avoid a splash from the rainbow-washing brush.
3. Practice empathy for others
Be open to deeply understanding the lived reality of your colleagues. Remember there will always be more that unites than divides but it’s in celebrating our difference that our workplaces become stronger and more representative of our communities.
4. Be brave, be a role model
Know that inclusive leaders come from anywhere in the organization. Leading can mean showing your support, evolving the inclusivity conversation, implementing sensitivity training and creating platforms for marginalized communities, no matter your seniority.
5. Become a mentor or reverse mentor
Become a mentor to share your knowledge and expertise with an emerging LGBTQ+ leader or explore reverse mentoring to learn first-hand about LGBTQ+ experiences as an ally.
6. Advocate for inclusive habits in the workplace
inclusivity is felt in everyday moments and actions. This could mean politely calling out exclusive behaviors or ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
7. Advocate for equity
Understand what rights and entitlements LGBTQ+ colleagues have and do not have. This is a crucial step in being able to advocate for equity.
8. Challenge yourself and do the hard work
Everyone has implicit biases – these are unintentional but nonetheless affect our judgements, decisions and behaviors. Take an implicit bias test to uncover what yours are to become aware of and work at overcome them.
9. Encourage inclusive interviews
Unconscious biases can unknowingly influence hiring decisions. Employers should educate recruiters and hiring managers about these biases and provide training and access to platforms that can help overcome them.
I know you have lots of questions, so please contact me to schedule an introductory “Open The Relationship” conversation.
Steve Horowitz
631-572-3358
coachstevehorowitz@gmail.com
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[1] Kanter DIVA 2024 Survey