Six lessons in LGBTQ+ inclusion from our Workplace Conference

At our recent Workplace Conference, we heard from an inspiring group of people about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.  

While the focus of our conference was LGBTQ+ inclusion, time and again we were reminded that being deliberate about inclusion in the workplace means people can thrive - while also impacting the bottom line. Here are six important messages I took away from the day:  

1. Inclusion really matters for business performance, as well as individual employees, teams and our clients and customers.
2. Equity, mental health and performance fuel one another. By creating psychologically safe workplaces we ensure that LGBTQ+ people do not have to be vigilant about aspects of their identity - they can focus on the job in hand and perform at their best. You can read the research from MHFA here.
3. We need to think about intergenerational ways of working. There are now five generations in the workplace, creating so much potential for different work expectations and possible conflict - but offering so many opportunities for learning and discovery across generations. Young LGBTQ+ people want to work in places that practice what they preach, actively creating inclusive cultures and environments where they believe they are going to thrive.
4. Collecting and using data is vital. Businesses use data to drive performance. We are generally lagging behind in collecting and using data that can inform plans to attract, develop and retain LGBTQ+ people to drive business success.
5. Intersectionality is not the same as diversity and should not be used interchangeably. Diversity is about having a mix of different characteristics, like race, gender, or sexuality, within a group. Intersectionality looks at how those characteristics overlap in one person’s life, and how that can shape their experiences. A business commitment to anti-racism is an important aspect of our work on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
6. LGBTQ+ staff networks and employee resource groups have an important role to play in shaping business policy and protocols, as well as supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. This is particularly important in the global context we are living in.  

Thank you to all our speakers, panellists and delegates who all contributed to the day. As one delegate said, “being in a room full of people that care about our community at this moment was particularly powerful and poignant for me.”  

One of our speakers Adah Parris reminded us: we all need to make space to step back, think and recharge. The conference offered space for me to meet, listen, reflect and think, as well as take energy and inspiration from everybody committed to equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.  

LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace is not a nice to have. It is essential for employees, customers and ultimately business success.   

Take a look at our resources