Pride Month 2024: LGBT+ Inclusion in Workplaces in Numbers

During Pride Month 2024, Techopedia is highlighting important statistics about LGBT+ inclusion at work.

While there are many tech companies that champion LGBT+ equality, 42% of LGBT+ employees experience non-inclusive behaviors in their professional lives, according to the most recent data available.

According to the most recent data, Deloitte Global’s 2023 report on LGBT+ Inclusion in the Workplace, one in three respondents are actively looking to change employers to find an organization that is more LGBT+ inclusive.

The report highlights that there is still work to be done in improving employee welfare regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

By examining these stats, we aim to shed light on the current state of LGBT+ inclusion and push for a more inclusive environment within tech workplaces.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. LGBT+ Inclusion in Tech Workplaces in Numbers
3. Comfort with Expressing Identity
4. Job Change Considerations
5. Steps to Foster LGBT+ Inclusion
6. The Bottom Line

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. LGBT+ Inclusion in Tech Workplaces in Numbers
3. Comfort with Expressing Identity
Show Full Guide
4. Job Change Considerations
5. Steps to Foster LGBT+ Inclusion
6. The Bottom Line

LGBT+ Inclusion in Tech Workplaces in Numbers

Comfort with Expressing Identity

In 2023, most respondents valued the freedom to express their LGBT+ identity in the workplace. 60% of respondents believed that it’s important to be able to freely express their sexual orientation at work, while 75% believed the same about gender identity.

Despite this, an average of just 45% of LGBT+ employees felt comfortable being out at work and sharing their sexual orientation or gender identity with all their coworkers.

Sadly, 42% of LGBT+ employees faced non-inclusive behaviors at work. This included harassment (65% of LGBT+ employees), microaggressions (89%), or both (57%).

Furthermore, of those employees who faced non-inclusive behaviors at work, 61% experienced these in physical workplaces, while 39% received unwanted comments or jokes of a sexual nature.

Job Change Considerations

Non-inclusive behaviors and not enough efforts for LGBT+ inclusion make many LGBT+ employees think about changing jobs. About 48% were considering leaving their jobs because of these issues.

Specifically, 19% said that LGBT+ efforts were insufficient, 15% said there was no focus on LGBT+ inclusion, and 14% were unsure or preferred not to answer.

Moreover, 69% of LGBT+ employees considered a diverse workforce very important when looking for new job opportunities.

Steps to Foster LGBT+ Inclusion

To improve this situation and make workplaces more inclusive, the report suggests several key steps:

1. Encourage Allyship and Create Visible Support Networks: Allies are important for creating an inclusive environment. Companies should encourage allyship and ensure visible support networks for LGBT+ employees.
2. Promote and Support LGBT+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): ERGs give LGBT+ employees a place to connect, share experiences, and advocate for inclusion. Supporting these groups can help create a sense of community and belonging.
3. Ensure Senior Leaders Openly Support and Advocate for LGBT+ Inclusion: Leadership commitment is crucial for real change. Senior leaders should openly support and advocate for LGBT+ inclusion, setting an example for the whole organization.

The Bottom Line

The tech industry needs to make it a top priority to create workplaces where LGBT+ employees feel secure, supported, and able to be their true selves. Creating an inclusive environment for LGBT+ workers is not just the right thing to do, but it also gives tech companies a strategic advantage.

As the industry strives for innovation and excellence, embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion will enable organizations to attract and keep top talent, drive creativity, and build a more equitable future.

By taking the suggested steps, such as promoting allyship, supporting employee resource groups, and ensuring leadership commitment, tech companies can cultivate a culture of acceptance and belonging. This will ultimately help them attract and retain diverse talent with different backgrounds and perspectives.