LGBT+ people around the UK feel less and less comfortable being themselves in the work place according to new research. Released by Glassdoor, the website which offers insights into job and companies, has found that only two in five LGBT+ workers feel comfortable expressing and celebrating their identity at work.
Being written off as harmless "banter" by higher management, a person from Cardiff has spoken out about their experience working at an employer that regularly tolerated anti-LGBT+ language and mocking comments made directly to them. Leading to poor mental health and a subsequent resignation, they told WalesOnline the environment was "rife" with homophobia. They have chosen to remain anonymous.
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"The working culture of my previous workplace was very lad-dominated, and as such it was rife with homophobic behaviour, often directed at me and the other LGBT+ who worked there," they explained to WalesOnline.
"I used to receive daily comments about my sexuality, jokes at my expense, invasive questions, being belittled and not being taken seriously by my colleagues. The comments and behaviour would often get written off as 'banter' by higher management and as a result it made me feel like I couldn’t report it, leading to very poor mental health. I have heard slurs being used in the workplace namely 'queer' or 'faggot', often as the punchline of a joke or a put down. It made me feel anxious and uncomfortable and made me want to quit going to work.
"[Now] I have moved into a workplace that is very supportive of LGBTQ+ culture and supportive of their employees in general, as a result my work ethic and mental health have improved and I feel like I can be myself without fear of discrimination."
As many companies are expected to face a "hiring crisis" according to Glassdoor, 39% of LGBT+ people looking for a job would not apply for the position if they could not bring their "whole self" into their working lives. Allyship, or a lack of it, has been noted as an issue for the community. One in four non-LGBT+ people have said that they would not feel comfortable calling someone out if they were using anti-LGBT+ language or held negative opinions against the community. The research also revealed that more than a fifth of non-LGBT+ employees do not feel educated enough or equipped with the proper knowledge and skills to be an ally in the workplace.
Jacob Little, senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion and a member of Glassdoor's PRIDE ERG said: “In today’s highly competitive job market, a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only a core expectation of top talent - it’s also a driver of innovation, performance and creativity. Glassdoor’s research shows that employees who feel they can be authentic at work are less likely to look for another role. In addition, companies that foster genuine cultures of inclusion and belonging report better decision making and lower attrition.
“There are many ways people can better support LGBTQ+ identifying colleagues at work, whether that’s taking the time to learn about the experiences of people different from them, discussing gender identity and sexuality in the workplace, creating space for people to talk about their lived experiences, or signals as simple as sharing pronouns on Zoom and email signatures. Even the smallest of actions can have a meaningful impact on the workplace experience of underrepresented groups.”
