Whether you know it or not, there are most likely individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community working in your organization. While significant strides have been taken to improve the work environment for LGBTQ+ individuals over the past decade or so, there are still ways to improve. At EG, our mission has always been to Help People Succeed – as simple as that. Providing a safe and inclusive workplace has been a top priority for our internal team and the people we place. In honor of Pride Month, we’re sharing three ways to support your LGBTQ+ employees.

Have Support at Each Level of Company Leadership

To fully have an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace, there must be support at each leadership level in a company. Leadership should set the example for how individuals should be treated, set the standard for DE&I initiatives, bring in diverse talent during the recruitment process, and directly support team members.

Offer LGBTQIA+ Friendly Benefits

Your company’s benefits packages can sometimes unintentionally exclude LGBTQ+ individuals through the verbiage used. The language used around parental leave, for example, can unintentionally make LGBTQ+ individuals feel excluded from the benefits.

Instead, focus on using gender-neutral verbiage. It’s vital organizations offer equal benefits to every employee, regardless of their sexual orientation, including parental leave, adoption leave, and time off to take care of dependents.

Take Harassment or Discrimination Reports Seriously

Like any harassment or discrimination claims, these reports should be taken seriously. If an employee reports LGTBQ+ harassment, your HR team should do everything in their power to get to the bottom of the situation and take the necessary action to make it right. If your employees don’t feel comfortable in the workplace, don’t count on them staying at your organization – this means you’ll lose great talent!

Make it a priority to establish a strong and clear anti-discrimination and anti-hate policy across all areas of the company. It should be known company-wide that no homophobic bullying (or bullying of any kind) will be tolerated at any level. If it does happen, ensure that the proper action is taken to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Having a diverse and inclusive workforce has so many benefits for your business. Being able to support your LGBTQ+ employees and foster a safe and welcoming workplace is one way to ensure you’ll retain a diverse team. Creating a safe workplace for your LGBTQ+ employees includes:

– Ensuring each leadership level supports your team members.
– Offering benefits with your LGBTQ+ employees in mind.
– Taking any harassment or discrimination reports seriously.

These actions will show your LGBTQ+ employees you care about them and will support them.

About EG Workforce Solutions

We’ve been in this business for decades and have developed a deep network of professional connections. Whether they’re companies looking for talent, job seekers looking for work, or an up-and-coming store in need of some temporary help, we know the right people to bridge the gap between the hiring and the hired.

But what’s more, we get to know people. From employers hiring to candidates looking, we take the time to listen and learn. We hear your likes, talents, and needs. We gain an understanding, and with it, we’re able to facilitate lasting relationships between businesses and people.