Challenges persist for LGBTQIA+ workers, survey shows

Atlanta — Although a majority of LGBTQIA+ workers say they have strong support from allies on the job, more than half still report discrimination and prejudice, which can make them feel unsafe, results of a recent survey show.

Staffing agency Randstad surveyed 355 U.S.-based LGBTQIA+ workers between the ages of 18 and 78 on issues they face in various industries.

More than half of the workers (54%) said they’re open about their identity at work, while 60% perceive robust ally support from colleagues. However, 51% have experienced discrimination and prejudice, which have led 41% to leave a job in search of a more inclusive work environment.

When it comes to current trends, 41% of the workers reported a rise in discrimination and 40% feel more isolated than they did five years ago.

Other findings:

• 49% of the workers prefer remote work to avoid noninclusive environments.
• 57% acknowledge that their employer is working toward creating equitable spaces.
• The presence of allyship and LGBTQIA+ role models at work were deemed crucial by 60% and 55% of the workers, respectively.

A report from Randstad that presents the survey results includes steps employers can take to create a more inclusive work environment:
Update nondiscrimination policies: Signal a commitment to a safe, inclusive environment by ensuring workplace policies explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
Expand benefits: Adapt benefits to meet the diverse needs of all employees.
Enhance training programs: Regular and comprehensive diversity and sensitivity training can keep inclusivity at the forefront of an organization’s culture.
Promote allyship: Cultivate a culture of allies in which support for LGBTQIA+ workers is part of everyone’s job.
Solicit feedback and act on it: Using direct feedback from LGBTQIA+ employees, make meaningful changes to continuously improve inclusivity.

“The journey toward genuine inclusivity is ongoing,” said Floss Aggrey, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Randstad North America. “It’s heartening to see the positive strides made so far, but this report clearly outlines the roadmap for how much further we have to go.”