5 ways to make your workplace more inclusive
admin on Feb 27th 2007
Everyone wants to feel safe at work. Everyone wants to feel included. Unfortunately, the reality is that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals face discrimination and bigotry on a daily basis while at work. LGBTQ parents face a unique set of challenges.Family Pride has developed five ways to make your workplace more inclusive for LGBTQ parents. And, even if you aren’t an LGBTQ parent, act on our behalf and make your office a welcoming place for all people.
1. Check the policies. First and foremost, make sure “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are listed in your organization’s EEO policy. Check if domestic partner benefits are offered to same-sex couples. But, the list doesn’t end there. Is paternity leave offered in addition to maternity leave? Is adoption leave provided? Does fertility coverage extend to gay dads creating their families through surrogacy? Ask that your organization’s policies reflect the diversity of our families.
2. Be as out as you can safely be. Visibility is crucial - research shows that non-LGBTQ people are most likely to support family equality when they know three or more LGBTQ people personally. If your office knows that you are an LGBTQ parent, they will be more likely to support your family and create an inclusive workplace.
3. Create gender-neutral bathrooms. Though creating gender-neutral bathrooms may be an uphill fight, it is important that all employees feel safe. Gender-segregated bathrooms force people to identify in ways that they may not be comfortable.
4. Provide LGBTQ diversity training. Don’t know where to start? Check out the programs offered by Out & Equal. Bring programs like these to the attention of managers and human resource professionals - and make them act.
5. Appeal and market to the LGBTQ community. Does your organization actively recruit and develop LGBTQ employees? Does your organization provide sponsorship to LGBTQ events such as local pride festivals? Does your organization act as a corporate sponsor to LGBTQ organizations like Family Pride?
These five steps are by no means an extensive list. But, they’re a great place to start. What does your organization do to support family equality?
[…] LGBTQ parents must pay special attention to employment discrimination and workplace policies. It’s important to secure such things as paternity and adoption leave. Explore five ways to make your workplace more inclusive. […]