All rights reserved.Important conversations are happening now. Lord John Browne (whose recently published book … ©2020 Verizon Media. An LGBT friendly work environment would therefore positively impact on health, job satisfaction, and relationships with co-workers.The first and most significant benefits to employers would be a reduction in legal costs related to discrimination lawsuits. Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapterWe made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote!Part of HuffPost Business. Benefits of LGBT Initiatives in the Workplace A more inclusive workplace is likely to benefit from its LGBT initiative efforts. As such, companies will spend less on recruiting and training new individuals. Any worker whose sexual orientation or gender identity falls under these categories, then, is a member of the LGBT workforce.Join thousands receiving the latest content and insights on health and safety industry.LGBT individuals make up a sizeable portion of American workers. Research shows that pro-LGBT company’s stocks outperform competitors. As a recent graduate in the field, she is trained to analyze and advise on a wide range of issues related to her area of expertise. LGBT is an initialism that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender.

She strongly believes that increasing public outreach and education can promote hazard awareness and ultimately save lives.

Having a diverse workforce can be highly beneficial to both the employer and the … Furthermore, by adopting and implementing LGBT-inclusive policies, the company will be viewed as socially responsible and, therefore, attract more customers and investors. Therefore, without an inclusive environment, LGBT employees may not feel comfortable enough to make that decision. According to a survey conducted by the Williams Institute, The Business Impact of LGBT-Supportive Workplace Policies, LGBTQ employees who feel the need to hide their identity in the workplace often feel greater levels of stress and anxiety causing health issues and work-related complaints. The LGBT workforce continues to face widespread discrimination in the workplace with 21 percent of LGBT employees reporting that they have been discriminated against in hiring, promotions and pay. The major challenge for LGBT people in the workplace is continuing harassment or discrimination. Organizations, then, may not be aware of the diversity that already exists in their workplace. Organizations that aim to maintain a competitive advantage must foster a workplace where all employees can succeed.

There are few 'out' role models to demonstrate that members of the LGBT community even exist in business. Among American LGBT workers, 21 percent report having been victims of employment discrimination, whether in terms of hiring, salary, or promotions. Source: Vectomart/Dreamstime.com Part of HuffPost Business. Moreover, one in 25 workplace discrimination complaints concern the treatment of LGBT employees.Workplace discrimination, then, continues to be a serious problem, and creating an inclusive workplace for LGBT employees is imperative. Yet LGBT people continue to face pervasive discrimination in the workplace. According to the survey conducted by the Williams Institute, The Business Impact of LGBT-Supportive Workplace Policies, LGBT employees who spend considerable time and effort hiding their identity in the workplace, experience higher levels of stress and anxiety resulting in health problems and work related complaints.

The LGBT community is statistically one of the most discriminated against demographics in the world today.

LGBT employees who feel comfortable being themselves and feel accepted in their workplace will also be more likely remain in their job positions. Furthermore, one out of every 25 complaints made about workplace discrimination comes from LGBT employees. Some common workplace issues that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace face include:

Moreover, a diverse and open workplace increases creativity, leading to innovation and an increase in productivity.

The Value of LGBT Equality in the Workplace Today’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse with employees of different sex, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. LGBT inclusion should be a core part of your Equality and Diversity policy; having a separate policy for LGBT inclusion is an even clearer way to show your commitment to tackling discrimination in this area.