{"id":14841,"date":"2024-06-11T11:37:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T15:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/?p=14841"},"modified":"2024-10-08T12:51:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T16:51:31","slug":"deib-pride-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/deib-pride-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Put the Belonging in DEI&B this Pride month"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pride Month, which began in 1970, is a time to celebrate the progress made in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual and other community members\u2019 (LGBTQIA+) rights. But it\u2019s also a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive society.<\/p>\n

A recent survey by the Center for American Progress<\/a> reported half of LGBTQIA+ individuals polled experienced some form of workplace discrimination or harassment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.<\/p>\n

It’s a sad reality that the area where LGBTQIA+ people continue to face discrimination is in the workplace. However, this can change with the right leadership and collective conscientiousness in workplaces.<\/p>\n

\u2018B\u2019 is the most recently added letter to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) acronym representing one of the fastest-growing priorities for organizations worldwide. \u2018Belonging\u2019 is not just a buzzword; it\u2019s a core element of a growing initiative to create workplace environments where people feel accepted by their colleagues regardless of their background or identity.<\/p>\n

How belonging supports LGBTQIA+ employees in the workplace<\/h2>\n

DE&I is essential for creating a positive work environment where everyone feels respected. A diverse workforce brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which can lead to more innovative thinking<\/a> and problem-solving. A workforce made up of people from various countries, cultures, and beliefs is a valuable resource.<\/p>\n

Where DEI’s primary goal is to foster respect in the workplace, belonging helps promote workers to feel valued and safe enough to bring their whole selves to work. Employees who feel they belong \u2014 especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community \u2014 are more likely to stay with a company.<\/p>\n

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In today’s global economy, it is more important than ever for organizations to embrace not only diversity, equity, and inclusion but also belonging. Clients increasingly expect companies to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Many companies will lose both workers and loyal consumers when this expectation is not met. A DEI&B-empowered workforce can also help companies better understand and meet the needs of their customers.<\/p>\n

Simply put: Introducing belonging into your workplace is the right thing to do. All people deserve to be respected and valued, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identifying characteristic.<\/p>\n

According to the Center for American Progress<\/a> (CAP), \u201cthe current patchwork of nondiscrimination laws in states across the country and existing gaps in federal civil rights laws leave millions of LGBTQIA+ people without protection from discrimination.\u201d While this is unfortunate, companies have the power and opportunity to prove how integrating holistic belonging initiatives is not only good for business, but also not a slant on society\u2019s growth or belief systems.<\/p>\n

The CAP study claims, \u201cDiscrimination has substantial adverse effects on economic, physical, and mental well-being, and many LGBTQIA+ individuals alter their behavior to avoid experiencing discrimination.\u201d The more companies foster a safe and belonging environment for their employees, the more proactive workplaces become in fighting discrimination and creating empowerment in the workplace for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.<\/p>\n

Create a more inclusive workplace this Pride month<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re a caring leader concerned with your workforce\u2019s wellbeing, creating a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQIA+ employees is generally not hard. That said, establishing an internal system still involves several key, guiding steps.<\/p>\n

In Eptura\u2019s Workplace Innovator podcast episode \u201cDiversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Workplace\u201d, guest Jessica Bantom<\/a> \u2014 Senior Associate of Workplace Experience and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Steele Strategies \u2014 discussed that a sense of belonging is a deeply personal experience, but that it will \u201cimpact [an employee\u2019s] performance and ultimately how far [they] may actually go within an organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

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First, it’s crucial your workplace has a clear and comprehensive non-discrimination policy that explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Communicate this policy effectively to all employees and reinforce it regularly. Additionally, train employees on LGBTQIA+ issues \u2014 such as sensitivity training and awareness workshops \u2014 to foster a better understanding and appreciation of LGBTQIA+ experiences and perspectives.<\/p>\n

Eptura\u2019s Culture and Engagement Program Manager, Emily Ramos<\/a>, advises leaders: “It’s not surprising that the best companies to work for rate about 75% higher for inclusion than their counterparts. DEI&B initiatives are crucial for increasing trust, psychological safety, and engagement in the workplace. If you are a leader constantly looking for new ways to support Belonging for employees and remove obstacles that may hinder their success, consider committing to upholding DEI&B as a non-negotiable part of your leadership style.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Making it a goal to create a supportive environment where LGBTQIA+ employees feel comfortable being open about their identities is essential. You can achieve this by encouraging open dialogue, actively listening to concerns without bias, and promptly addressing any instances of discrimination or harassment. Establishing employee resource groups or affinity groups specifically for LGBTQIA+ employees can also provide a sense of community and support within the workplace. These groups can serve as platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their needs.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, review and revise any company policies, benefits, and practices to ensure they’re inclusive of LGBTQIA+ employees. It\u2019s common practice to revisit DEI&B initiatives at least annually. This can include:<\/p>\n