LGBTQ+ inclusion is a priority for many companies from small businesses to large corporations. Supporting LGBTQ+ communities is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes business sense and sends a positive message to the public and your employees. Here are some ideas on how you show support for the LGBTQ+ community at your workplace.
Implement an inclusive dress code policy
Many professional workplaces require employees to wear company uniforms during working hours. Unfortunately, some of these uniforms explicitly discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Consider revising your uniform policy to include gender-neutral options that allow staff members to express their own identities comfortably. If your business does not have uniforms but does enforce a dress code, make sure that your dress code does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If requested, allow employees to wear non-gendered items at work that express their identities such as rainbow lanyards or Pride pins.
Provide gender-neutral restrooms
Nobody can avoid the call of nature but going to the restroom can be a source of anxiety for many members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you want your workplace to be a safe place for your workers, provide them with gender-neutral bathrooms where they can perform their primary functions without fear of discrimination and harassment. Increase the privacy of your restrooms by adding lockable doors and privacy partitions between the stalls. If you have facilities open to the public, be sure to label them clearly with inclusive signs saying “All Genders” so that members of all communities feel comfortable using them.
Make sure your HR policy is inclusive
Many members of the LGBTQ+ community are hesitant to come out to their employers because they are worried about how it will affect their job security. Some are even afraid to apply for jobs due to concerns about being discriminated against. This not only harms the career prospects of LGBTQ+ community members but also prevents your company from hiring qualified and talented people. Make sure that your HR policy explicitly states that you will not discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Have a clear diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) policy that outlines the fair treatment of team members and make sure that all your employees understand it well.
Include sexual orientation and gender identity in your harassment policy
Harassment is a violation of both the law and workplace policies, but it is also something that can be very difficult for members of the LGBTQ+ community to report. Workers can be afraid of getting fired by a biased superior or retaliated against by their colleagues. You can reduce this fear by clearly outlining your anti-harassment policies and specifying that any harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is strictly prohibited. You should also provide training for your staff to teach them how to spot signs of harassment and report it effectively if it occurs. A solid harassment policy is a necessary companion to your DEI policy.
Make sure all staff are on board
Even the most well-intentioned employers can have employees who exhibit bias against LGBTQ+ employees based on their inherent ignorance or bias. By providing sensitivity training for all of your staff, you can teach them why this kind of discrimination is not acceptable and professionally address any employees who show signs of intolerance. This will help to improve LGBTQ+ employee morale and make your company a more welcoming place for everyone. You can also hold regular open discussions on this topic where employees can air any concerns that they may have about fair treatment and receive feedback from their colleagues.
Partner with community organizations
There are numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to providing support and services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Partnering with them is a great way to show your support for LGBTQ+ equality and lend a helping hand to those who may be struggling to deal with issues at home or work. You can offer financial assistance to them in the form of donations and sponsorships, or organize internship placements for LGBTQ+ community members to help them gain valuable work experience. In return, these non-profit organizations may be able to give talks and seminars at your workplace or promote your company on their social media platforms.
Support Pride events
A great way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community is to participate in local Pride celebrations. You will not only make a positive contribution to the cultural life of your local community but also help to foster greater acceptance and inclusion for all its LGBTQ+ members. Your LGBTQ+ employees would feel seen and supported as well. There are many ways to get involved with Pride. You can sponsor celebrations, take part in parades, and host benefit fundraisers. You could even organize small-scale Pride events in your workplace to allow employees and their partners to celebrate their shared values and cultural identities with their colleagues.
As a business, you have the resources to change the cultural landscape in your community. While it may be the popular thing to be LGBTQ+ inclusive, ensure that you are committed for the long haul and not merely making performative gestures. If you have LGBTQ+ people in your workforce, make sure you seek their advice and consider their opinions in any initiatives that you undertake.