Getting to Equal 2020: Pride
On the surface, LGBT+ employees in many parts of the world have progressed in the workplace. But Accenture's global research reveals that underneath this success, they are experiencing unseen challenges and privately held fears at work that are hindering their ability to thrive. More than half (57%) of LGBT+ employees believe their gender identity and expression or their sexual orientation has slowed their progress at work. And only 14% of LGBT+ employees feel fully supported by their employer when it comes to issues like welcoming those who identify as LGBT+.
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The research showed, among others:
- Even in the most socially progressive countries only 31% of LGBT+ emplpyees are fully open about their gender identity/expression or sexual orientation at work. Even more, this figure falls to just 21% among those in senior leadership positions
- More than half of employees (57%) believe that their gender identity/expression or their sexual orientation has slowed their progress at work
The report also reveals the top-five cultural issues that employers should address to create a workplace where LGBT+ employees in particular can not only rise, but also feel supported, heard and understood:
- Senior leaders must talk openly about their own personal issues and challenges to convey bold leadership.
- Comprehensive action should be taken to ensure that flexible working arrangements are not only available, but properly supported and encouraged.
- The workplace should be an empowering environment in which employees who are different from the majority are able to settle in quickly and thrive from the outset.
- That kind of empowering environment is also one in which employees are helped to understand that it’s OK to fail at work sometimes without fear or recrimination.
- Employees should feel safe raising concerns with (and about) leaders, especially when it comes to harassment and discrimination.
The full report can be accessed here.