A huge amount of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination still exists against individuals who come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and other genders in the workplace. For most individuals, it is an incredibly uncomfortable and emotional experience, and for some, it can be traumatic.
It is only through the efforts of all team members and their commitment to allyship that people from the LGBTQIA+ community can feel safe at work and realise their full potential. Here are a few ways this can be achieved.
A space where coming out is feels safe
- Making active listening a priority
To support LGBTQIA+ employees effectively teams must prioritise empathy, active listening, and respect. Building emotional intelligence and understanding diverse perspectives are crucial in creating an inclusive workplace culture. Managers play a crucial role in providing emotional support to employees who come out.
- Maintain confidentiality
Respect the privacy of LGBTQIA+ employees who choose to come out at work. Ensure that personal information is handled confidentially and that no unnecessary disclosure or outing occurs without their consent. Encourage open and honest communication, assuring employees that they can trust you to maintain their privacy.
- If you see something, say something
53% of LGBTQIA+ workers report hearing jokes about lesbian or gay people, 41% transgender-specific and 37% bisexual-specific jokes. When you witness this behavior, speak up. Seek out the appropriate channels and let it be known that this behaviour is unacceptable. Only by actively intervening in these situations will LGBTQIA+ feel safe being free with their identity at work.
LGBTQIA+ inclusion is all about collaborative empathy and support, especially in tough situations like coming out at work.
At Serein, we employ behavioral psychology and latest trends in academic research to develop practical strategies for workplace allyship. Write to us at hello@serein.in.