By cultivating a year-round culture of respect and inclusivity, you can create a safe and supportive environment for your LGBTQ+ colleagues.
Do more than talk the talk! Find out how with our 24 for Pride ’24…
1. Educate Yourself – Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ issues, terms, and history to better understand your colleagues’ experiences.
2. Use Inclusive Language – Be mindful of using gender-neutral language and respecting preferred pronouns.
3. Create Safe Spaces – Ensure that the workplace has designated safe spaces where LGBTQ+ employees can feel comfortable.
4. Promote Policies – Advocate for and support policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination and harassment.
5. Celebrate Diversity – Recognise and celebrate LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride Month, to show support and raise awareness.
6. Offer Training – Provide training sessions on equity, diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ issues for all employees.
7. Support Transitions – Offer support for employees undergoing gender transition, and if they’ve chosen a new name, be sure to use it.
8. Acknowledge Intersectionality – Recognise the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, including race, gender, and disability.
9. Flexible Dress Code – Allow employees to dress in a way that matches their gender identity and expression.
10. Zero Tolerance Policy – Implement and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment.
11. Respect Privacy Be respectful of the privacy of LGBTQ+ employees; do not out anyone without their explicit consent.
12. Mentorship Programs – Establish mentorship programs that include LGBTQ+ mentors and mentees.
13. Equal Benefits – Ensure all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, receive equal healthcare and parental leave.
14. Recruit Inclusively – Aim to recruit a diverse workforce by ensuring job postings are inclusive and by reaching out to LGBTQ+ communities.
15. Gender-Neutral Facilities – Support the availability of gender-neutral toilets.
16. Be Visible – Show your support visibly, whether through wearing Pride symbols or participating in LGBTQ+ events.
17. Leadership Support – Ensure that leadership is visibly supportive of LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives.
18. Encourage Open Dialogue – Foster an environment where open and respectful conversations are encouraged.
19. Mental Health Support – Provide access to mental health resources that are sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues.
20. Support ERGs – Encourage the formation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for LGBTQ+ employees and participate in their events.
21. Active Listening – Take the time to understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ colleagues without making assumptions.
22. Provide Resources – Make available resources such as counselling services and support groups for LGBTQ+ employees.
23. Feedback Channels – Create anonymous feedback mechanisms to voice concerns and suggest improvements.
24. Allyship Training – Offer training on how to be a good ally to LGBTQ+ colleagues.
~ Inclusive Recruiting
Continued conversations nurture better understanding and allyship. We can help you facilitate these conversations. Sign your team up today for our EDI Dialogues bite-sized inclusion workshops.
