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The following are ten ways to make your work environment conducive for the LGBTQI+ community.
In today’s modern world, progressiveness requires inclusivity and equality. Everyone has the right to a workplace where respect, dignity, and acceptance are recognized. This is especially crucial for the LGBTQI+ community because they have always suffered from discrimination and prejudice in many areas of life, including work. The following are ten ways your workplace can be welcoming to LGBTQI+ employees.
1. Inclusivity Training
Frequent training on inclusivity can enable the employees to understand LGBTQ issues, debunk myths, and encourage cultural acceptance and respect. All staff members, from top management to the employees at entry levels, should be subjected to this training program.
2. Robust Anti-Discrimination Policies
Setting clear and specific anti-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression is essential. Companies should ensure these policies are enforced, and any forms of discrimination must be dealt with seriously.
3. Gender-Neutral Facilities
Making gender-neutral restrooms and other facilities accessible has a concrete expression of respect for the genders of all employees.
4. Employee Resource Groups
The creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for LGBTQiA + employees provides peer support within the organization and also advocates. Such groups can also offer feedback to management on inclusivity initiatives.
5. Celebrate Pride Month
Corporate initiatives for Pride Month symbolize acceptance. Companies can join Pride parades in the area, hold educational events, or decorate their offices.
6. Support Transgender Employees
Companies should have clear transgender employee policies, such as guidelines on transition and preferred pronoun use.
7. Employee Benefits
Providing benefits to same-sex partners is an obvious sign of acceptance. This should also apply to health care, family leave, and other employment benefits.
8. Representation in Leadership
Representation of LGBTQiA+ in leadership positions is a great way to demonstrate commitment towards inclusivity.
9. Safe Space
Foster the openness of employees to disclose their identity and a safe feeling for them when doing so.
10. Outreach and Recruitment
A positive sign of commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce is actively reaching out to and engaging with the LGBTQI+ community.
Everyone has to commit themselves if the path towards a more inclusive workplace is to be realized. By following these steps, companies can contribute towards creating a more inclusive environment for their LGBTQI+ employees.
Presented by SHAVA, this article is part of our commitment to embracing the diversity within the transgender community. SHAVA stands in solidarity with transgender people of color, advocating for acceptance and allyship that recognize and celebrate the richness of their diverse experiences.
