How to build LGBTQIA+ inclusion in your workplace

Mar 3

Written By Utopia

The year 2022 holds significance in the history of LGBTQIA+. Last year marks 50 years since the inaugural Pride event in London and also the year that the UK government prepared to release the first-ever recorded census data on the LGBT+ community in England and Wales. A lot has changed. But there’s a lot still to do. According to a recent study, 3 in 5 LGBT+ people experience hate crimes and want help, but only 1 in 5 are able to access it. Due to this lack of help and support, the LGTBQIA+ community faces major impacts and consequences such as physical injuries, emotional and psychological effects, as well as financial expenses. It’s when the social sphere starts feeling hostile, that the professional space can uniquely become a safe haven.

Why does LGBTQIA+ inclusion matter?

According to a recent study, businesses that promote racial and gender diversity typically perform better financially. Plus recent research from Finland also supports this for companies with LGBT-friendly policies.

It may be surprising to also know that compared with the lowest performing countries, those that have passed the most legal protections for LGBT+ people also show up to twice as many women in parliament and decrease the gender pay gap by 30%.
Globally, the LGTBQ+ community's estimated buying power is approximately $3.2 trillion. In the US market alone, this community accounts for nearly a trillion dollars, while in the UK market, it’s nearly $137 billion. So if the moral argument for better inclusion leaves you a bit damp, then the commercial imperative is undeniable.

“When our social sphere starts feeling hostile, the professional can become a safe haven in our workplaces.”

How to build a QUEER inclusive workplace?

Utopia has a wealth of experience in supporting organisations at a strategic level to identify both short and long-term development opportunities. We have a wide network of business and community links and experience to really drive transformational workplace change.

We know that the best way to build inclusive workspaces is to first disrupt people’s thinking, inspire them with the opportunities that change brings and to equip them with the tools and capabilities to be able to rewire their business - creating that transformation from within. That’s why we offer a range of advanced strategic support, training programmes, workshops and employee resource group support which follow this 3-step methodology. We’ve done this for a wide range of global organisations like Coca-Cola European Partners, Universal Music, Kellogg, Google, John Lewis, and Atlassian.