Are companies doing enough to deal with LGBTQ+ discrimination at work?
Acceptance of LGBTQ+ Americans has been growing in the last 50 years but there is still a job to be done in the workplace.
As we celebrate Pride Month, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing struggles that LGBTQ+ Americans face in the workplace. Despite significant progress in promoting inclusivity and diversity, many members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to experience discrimination, harassment, and inequality in their professional lives.
A recent report from Clarify Capital, a company specialising in business loans, highlights some concerning trends.
The study in more detail
Their study of over 1,000 employed LGBTQ+ Americans found that nearly 1 in 5 (18%) feel their workplace lacks inclusivity and diversity, and over 1 in 3 (35%) feel they need to hide their sexual orientation at work.
Nearly half of LGBT workers have experienced unfair treatment at work at some point in their lives, including being fired, not hired, or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. https://t.co/qZnV4hdq32 pic.twitter.com/9ovxrNZTYI
— Williams Institute (@WilliamsPolicy) June 1, 2022
Furthermore, 16% of LGBTQ+ employees have experienced workplace discrimination in the past year, and over 1 in 10 (11%) have faced sexual harassment at work during that period.
Read more: How did Pride start and who celebrates it?
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“We are hopeful that in five years’ time, the data will reflect significant positive changes in the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace,” said Merritt Ryan, Project Manager. “The growing awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community are key drivers for this anticipated improvement.”
Despite these problems, the vast majority (70%) say they feel satisfied with their company culture.