According to the senior global program manager of diversity and inclusion at IGT, nearly half of all LGBT workers hide their true selves at work. About half of all workers do not think any of their coworkers are members of the LGBT community. It is essential to have a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Treating all workers equally is critical. It also is important to make all workers feel accepted and appreciated.
According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, a large percentage of LGBT employees conceal their true identity for many reasons:
- Thirty-eight percent say it is due to fears of being stereotyped.
- Thirty-six percent say it would make others uncomfortable.
- Thirty-one percent do not want to lose cordial relationships with co-workers.
- Twenty-seven percent are concerned that co-workers might think they are attracted to them.
Most people in the workplace do not intentionally offend, discriminate against, or exclude LGBT workers. Instead, it often happens accidentally.
Employers can help make the workplace more inclusive for LGBT workers by never assuming everyone is straight. It is easy to make seemingly innocent comments or assumptions that accidentally exclude these workers.
Certain dress codes could be offensive for LGBT workers as well. Forcing employees to wear dresses or skirts is an example. One or more workers might not identify as female.
Reviewing workplace rules, dress codes, and general interactions can help identify ways LGBT employees might feel excluded. Revising policies and training workers could make the workplace more inclusive as well.
The U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBT workers against workplace discrimination. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) also protects LGBT workers. When employers take proactive steps to make the workplace more inclusive and diverse, violations are less likely to occur.
South Jersey Employment Discrimination Lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC Fight on Behalf of Discriminated LGBT Employees
Every workplace should be open to having LGBT employees. Employers must treat all employees equally, no matter their protected class. Our South Jersey employment discrimination lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC can help you if you are being discriminated against at work. Call us at 856-235-7075 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today. We are located in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and we represent clients across South Jersey, including the communities of Cherry Hill, Burlington County, and Camden County.