Unfortunately, harassment, discrimination and exclusion is still very much the experience for a number of employees in the built environment who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Make sure your business is part of the solution, rather than the problem by continuously showing support for the LGBTQ+ community and educating your workforce. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.
Be an active ally
Showcase your support for the LGBTQ+ community by posting about it on socials, sharing useful resources and asking people to share their experiences (if they are comfortable doing so). Not only will this help your current employees feel more supported but will also indicate to potential hires that your company is an inclusive, open, and friendly place to work!
Talk, talk, talk
Encouraging your team to openly discuss LGBTQ+ rights, lived experiences and generally showing your allyship is paramount to building a healthy workplace where everyone feels seen and heard.
While open dialogue is important, some people may not feel confident sharing their thoughts or may not have come out yet. In this instance, surveys are a useful approach to finding out how your company approach to diversity and inclusion is viewed and where it could be tweaked to improve the job satisfaction across the board.
Provide training and support
Offering your staff training which targets unconscious bias is a great way to draw attention to the dangers of inaccurate stereotypes/preconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community. It should also be made clear that your company has a zero-tolerance policy to any form of homophobia or discrimination and that support is available to those who need it.
We’ve still got a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation in the built environment but by following these steps and being an active ally, your company can help build the path for future generations.
By being an inclusive organisation will help improve workplace culture and attract further talent to apply!
Are you looking for a new role in the built environment sector? Get in touch with imogen@wearepillar.com to find out more.
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