As an LGBTQ+ professional, finding an inclusive workplace where one can thrive while being their true self can be a challenge. Unfortunately, a survey of over 6,000 LGBTQ+ professionals conducted by Harris Poll and Glassdoor found that 45% of respondents fear being out at work could lead to career harm or even termination. To avoid ending up in such a situation, job seekers should be intentional about assessing potential employers’ commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity during interviews.
One way to do this is by asking about LGBTQ+ friendly benefits, such as healthcare coverage for PrEP. The interviewer’s response can reveal how invested the employer is in inclusivity. A shut-down response is a red flag, while an open and supportive answer can be a good starting point for further conversation.
It’s also imperative to inquire into the company’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and the level of support provided for programming. Does it have sufficient funding to host both internal and external events? And, is a member of the executive team serving as a sponsor to ensure LGBTQ+ employees have a voice at the highest level? These questions can uncover the employer’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees.
Job seekers should also learn about the success stories of past and present LGBTQ+ employees as a way to gauge potential support for their career growth. Hearing specific stories of LGBTQ+ colleagues thriving within a company can indicate a willingness to support and promote LGBTQ+ employees.
In addition, it’s essential to understand how a company defines professionalism and what the dress code entails. The responses can reveal how expected gender conformity might impact the LGBTQ+ employee experience. Having an open conversation with the interviewer can be helpful to assess if the organization accepts gender expressions that deviate from traditional norms.
Finally, inquiring about gender-inclusive bathrooms can indicate how accommodating the facilities are to all employees. If the interviewer doesn’t know the answer, but is willing to investigate, it can still be considered a positive sign for inclusivity.
Before applying to a company, job seekers can research the employer’s website and ask their network if the company values inclusivity and diversity. Ultimately, having an LGBTQ+ employee inside the organization to provide an honest opinion can be a significant advantage in selecting a truly open and supportive employer.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
