Employer Diversity Programs and Management
An organizaton that truly inludes the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community goes beyond just policies and benefits, and into practices. That includes ensuring that the internal climate and work environment enable all employees to feel safe and comfortable, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. But it also means that the organization includes LGBT people holistically, including marketing, philanthropy, recruitment and procurement efforts.
While employers might prefer that all employees kept their personal lives out of the office, many of the casual conversations that occur daily make it impossible to do so. Employees socialize by asking how their weekends were or asking about friends and family, and employers often have events to which families or significant others are invited. Whether or not a LGBT employee has a partner or children, these situations prove difficult and sometimes painful to avoid.
By ensuring a safe and productive internal climate, businesses will be more prepared to engage the broader LGBT community. Employers may undertake a variety of initiatives to affect the internal workplace environment, including:
