Top 10 tips for LGBT inclusion in the workplace (2024)

People perform better when they can be themselves, and if you’re looking to make sure that lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people are fully included in your workplace, we’ve got some tips to help.

1. Ensure that your policies are fully inclusive of LGBT people

This includes pensions, family and leave policies, health insurance and relocation allowances. You should make sure your policies explicitly mention LGBT people.

2. Get people involved across your organisation

This could include setting up a network group specifically for LGBT employees; they’ll help you know where you’re doing well and which areas may need a new approach.

3. Reward those involved in your LGBT network group

Embed their involvement in their appraisals; make being part of the network a desirable thing to be.

4. Decide upon a clear strategy and tactics

Whether you want to increase the number of staff who are open about being LGBT, or revise your policies to make them fully inclusive, it’s crucial to know where you want to be and how you’re going to get there.

5. Engage staff members who don’t identify as LGBT

Allies, as we call them, are a crucial element of ensuring inclusion for all. They can help spread the message that diversity is celebrated by your organisation.

6. Ensure senior support

Making certain your senior leaders actively communicate their support for LGBT inclusion sends a positive message of acceptance for all across your organisation.

7. Speak to your staff

Consulting employees – both LGBT and non-LGBT – about what inclusion looks like in your organisationwill help ensure your strategy is appropriate and that all staff share your vision.

8. Understand your staff

Getting to know the make-up of your staff through techniques such as monitoring will help ensure you effectively cater to any needs they may have.

9. Celebrate your successes

Making sure your organisation is LGBT-inclusive is an ongoing journey, so it’s important to celebrate your successes, whatever size they may be, along the way. Every step is a step towards acceptance without exception for LGBT people.

10. Become a Stonewall Diversity Champion

Diversity Champions is Britain’s leading programme for ensuring that your workplace is truly inclusive.

Top 10 tips for LGBT inclusion in the workplace (1)

Top 10 tips for LGBT inclusion in the workplace (2024)

FAQs

Top 10 tips for LGBT inclusion in the workplace? ›

Be affirming, respectful, and practice active listening. By just listening and being supportive, you show you care. This goes back to educating yourself and making an effort to learn more, thereby creating a culture in your workplace that feels safe for your LGBTQ co-workers to be themselves.

How to make your workplace more LGBT inclusive? ›

10 ways to create an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace
  1. Create a strong, inclusive policy.
  2. Use inclusive language.
  3. Create support programs for LGBTQ+ employees.
  4. Offer LGBTQ+ inclusive benefits.
  5. Create an LGBTQ+ network.
  6. Communicate and engage with employees.
  7. Provide LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training.
  8. Include inclusive hiring practices.
Jun 7, 2023

How can we support LGBTQ in the workplace? ›

Be affirming, respectful, and practice active listening. By just listening and being supportive, you show you care. This goes back to educating yourself and making an effort to learn more, thereby creating a culture in your workplace that feels safe for your LGBTQ co-workers to be themselves.

What are three methods to increase LGBTQ inclusivity into your practice? ›

Simple ways to create an inclusive office environment include:
  • Display brochures and educational materials about LGBTQ health concerns.
  • Visibly post a nondiscrimination statement (PDF).
  • Display posters from nonprofit LGBTQ or HIV/AIDS organizations.

How to be inclusive LGBTQ? ›

Strategies for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace
  1. Review your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion. ...
  2. Provide LGBTQ+ training. ...
  3. Set up an LGBTQ+ network. ...
  4. Appoint LGBTQ+ allies. ...
  5. List your pronouns. ...
  6. Incorporate gender-neutral language. ...
  7. Create unisex toilets. ...
  8. Celebrate LGBTQ+ history and events.
Jun 1, 2022

How do I make my team more inclusive? ›

15 tips for making teams more inclusive
  1. Promote ideas to management. Help the company's leadership team understand how inclusivity works. ...
  2. Make spaces comfortable for all. ...
  3. Incorporate a culture of appreciation. ...
  4. Schedule inclusivity training. ...
  5. Set up an inclusivity task force. ...
  6. Allow introverts to thrive.
Mar 16, 2023

How do I show my business is LGBTQ friendly? ›

Add attributes to your Business Profile to show your business is “LGBTQ friendly”.
  1. Show customers that your business is a safe space. ...
  2. Help celebrate and foster spaces of belonging. ...
  3. Show that your business has gender-neutral restrooms that all customers are welcome to use.

How can you respect gender inclusion in the workplace? ›

Here are some steps you can take to promote gender equality in the workplace:
  1. Increase hiring diversity. ...
  2. Review equal pay laws. ...
  3. Begin a pay audit. ...
  4. Consider updating your training. ...
  5. Revise pay secrecy policies. ...
  6. Promote work-life balance. ...
  7. Create an open-minded atmosphere. ...
  8. Provide mentorship for everyone.

How do you create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ people? ›

Use neutral language when asking questions and take your lead from the individual person. Facilitate disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity, but be aware that disclosure or “coming out” is an individual process. It's not easy to “come out” all the time.

What are the benefits of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace? ›

In some companies it may be a controversial topic, which is unfortunate but also demonstrates the need for training on these topics.
  • Safer employees. Everyone wants to feel safe at work. ...
  • Stronger relationships. ...
  • Reduce gossip. ...
  • Attract talent. ...
  • Eliminate stress.

What are the four ways to create an inclusive culture? ›

To create an inclusive workplace, lead by example, use inclusive recruitment strategies, provide spaces to form connections, and ask for employee feedback.

How do you make gender inclusive? ›

Best practices/strategies
  1. Use non-discriminatory language. 1.1 Forms of address. ...
  2. Make gender visible when it is relevant for communication. 2.1 Using feminine and masculine pronouns. ...
  3. Do not make gender visible when it is not relevant for communication. 3.1 Use gender-neutral words.

How do you engage inclusively? ›

To help you think about ways to use each strategy, we have provided critical questions to consider.
  1. BUILD PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH RACIAL/ETHNIC COMMUNITY. ...
  2. CREATE A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE. ...
  3. INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY. ...
  4. DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR ENGAGEMENT. ...
  5. PARTNER WITH DIVERSE ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES.

How can I be truly inclusive? ›

Creating an inclusive climate and culture requires fair policies and practices, recognising and valuing difference, and including all employees in decision-making processes. Senior commitment in the form of real advocacy and buy-in is important in creating a truly inclusive organisation.

What is inclusivity for all gender? ›

Gender inclusion is a concept that transcends mere equality. It's the notion that all services, opportunities, and establishments are open to all people and that male and female stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations.

What is inclusion of all genders? ›

Gender equality is a state in which people have access to rights or opportunities regardless of gender. Gender-inclusive language is speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.

Why is LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace important? ›

Creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees is good for business. It helps develop a sense of belonging, increases productivity, and attracts top talent. Plus, it shows your employees that you value their well-being and are committed to creating a more supportive work environment for everyone.

How can an organization create visible support for LGBTQ? ›

Organizations can create visible support for LGBTQIA residents by enforcing anti-discrimination policies, educating on LGBTQIA issues, participating in pride events, and advocating for equality and inclusion. These efforts contribute to a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA individuals.

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