The Increasing Importance of LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
As we celebrate Pride month, we continue to look at what employers can do to support the LBGTQIA+ community in the workplace. We continue to look at this important issue and consider how we can do our best to make the workplace a safe home where all can thrive.
Increasing Inclusivity in the Workplace
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical in staffing, and this is especially relevant during Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s diversity and recognize the progress made in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights. In today’s world, businesses that prioritize DEI, including the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. DEI is no longer just a moral obligation, it’s a business imperative.
According to the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), diverse teams drive innovation and growth, provide better decision-making, and help avoid “groupthink.” A diverse workforce ensures that companies are more resilient and adaptable to changes in the market, leading to better business outcomes.
The American Staffing Association (ASA) recognizes the importance of DEI in staffing, including the LGBTQIA+ community. In a recent statement, the ASA urged staffing companies to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to promote fair and equitable job opportunities.
The benefits of diversity in the workplace are numerous, including fostering a more inclusive work culture where employees feel valued and heard, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity. It also leads to more creative and effective problem-solving, as a diverse workforce brings a wider range of perspectives to the table.
However, the LGBTQIA+ community has long faced discrimination in the workplace. According to a report by the Human Rights Campaign, nearly half of LGBTQIA+ employees are not out at work, and nearly one in four report experiencing discrimination in the workplace. This highlights the need for employers to prioritize LGBTQIA+ rights in their DEI efforts.
Strategies to promote DEI, including the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, in staffing:
- Foster a culture of inclusivity for all employees, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Employers should create a culture where all employees feel valued and supported, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can be achieved by actively promoting diversity and inclusion through communication, training, and awareness-raising activities.
- Expand your candidate pool to include candidates who identify as LGBTQIA+. Employers should actively seek candidates from the LGBTQIA+ community and use diverse recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse range of applicants. This can include partnering with LGBTQIA+ organizations or using job boards that target LGBTQIA+ candidates.
- Train your staff on LGBTQIA+ issues. Training is crucial to ensure that all employees understand and appreciate the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in staffing. Employers should provide regular training on LGBTQIA+ topics, including pronoun use, cultural awareness, and the impact of discrimination.
- Use objective hiring criteria to ensure that candidates are evaluated based on their skills and experience rather than their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can help mitigate bias in the hiring process and ensure all candidates are given a fair chance to succeed.
- Monitor your progress in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in staffing. Employers should regularly collect and analyze data on the demographics of the workforce, track the success of LGBTQIA+ initiatives, and solicit feedback from employees. This can help identify improvement areas and ensure that the company is moving in the right direction.
Making DEI a Priority
DEI, including the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, is critical in staffing, and employers who prioritize diversity and inclusion are reaping the benefits.
As a workplace solutions company, Equiliem believes that now is the time to prioritize DEI, including the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, in staffing. Let’s work together to make our workplaces more diverse and inclusive for everyone. That’s something we could all be proud of.