Did you know that nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced workplace discrimination? A survey also found that one in eight LGBTQ+ women has been sexually assaulted at work. And over a third of these employees left their jobs due to how their employers treated them.

Everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, should feel safe at work. Creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace isn’t just the ethical thing to do, it’s also a vital part of a good business strategy.

Below, we go over what LGBTQ+ means, how businesses benefit from LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how to create a more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace.

What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?

It’s important to note that the LGBTQ+ community incorporates more than our gay colleagues. It’s a diverse community encompassing many identities. LGBTQ+ refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The “plus” symbol includes additional identities, such as intersex or asexual individuals or ones that letters can’t accurately describe.

How Businesses Benefit From LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Aside from being the right thing to do, LGBTQ+ inclusion also benefits businesses. Some ways businesses benefit from LGBTQ+ inclusion include:

• Retention rates are higher among employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Businesses with LGBTQ+ inclusive policies have higher profits.
• LGBTQ+ employees are more productive when they feel safe at work.

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How to Create a More LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplace

Inclusion benefits both employees and businesses. But how can you make sure your company is LGBTQ+ inclusive? Below, we share a few tips.

— Revisit Your Job Application

The job application is one of the first things an employee sees before joining your company. Make sure you’re fostering inclusion from the very beginning. Do you only provide the option to select “male” or “female” for gender? Consider changing that.

At the same time, don’t simply put “other.” No one wants to check off that they’re “other.” Instead, consider a write-in box where they can share how they identify. Also, consider including an option for job candidates to select their preferred pronouns.

— Update Your Employee Benefits

Another important step is ensuring you update policies to be LGBTQ+ inclusive. While paid maternity leave is important, make sure you provide an equal amount of time off for other employees as well, regardless of gender.

A policy that solely focuses on moms excludes same-sex couples who deserve to have time with their growing families. It could also discriminate against employees who choose adoption or surrogacy.

Also, examine your benefits policy to ensure it’s inclusive of same-sex spouses. And check to see that your policy allows employees to use the bathroom based on how they identify.

— Provide Training

HR alone isn’t enough to create an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace. You need buy-in from everyone—from the intern to the CEO.

Your training might include topics such as:

• How to use inclusive language
• Policies regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion
• How to report harassment (and consequences for those who harass their coworkers)
• How to be a better ally to LGBTQ+ coworkers
• Sexual harassment policies and reporting strategies

— Create an Employee Resource Group

Another step you can take to create a more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace is starting an employee resource group (ERG). ERGs are made up of voluntary members to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. These groups create safe spaces for employees and can help boost retention rates.

Additional Resources for Employers

Below are a few additional resources that may be helpful:

• Nondiscrimination Laws: Filter by state or legal issues (U.S.)
• Prevent Discrimination and Value Diversity: Information for UK-based employers
• Ensuring Workplace Inclusion for LGBTQ Employees: For U.S.-based employers
• PFLAG National Glossary of Terms: Dictionary of LGBTQ+ terminology
• Best Practices for Nonbinary Inclusion in the Workplace
• Creating an Inclusive Environment for Transgender Employees
• LGBTQ Inclusion: Using Pronouns at Work

Create a Safer Workplace for Everyone

Everyone should feel safe at work, no matter who they are. A safe workplace also means a more productive and profitable company. By implementing these steps, you can create a more LGBTQ+ inclusive work environment.