Creating an inclusive workforce is foremost respectful to human dignity. For people to reach their true potential, it’s important to be accepted for who they are. The majority of gay men and women state that being out at work is important to them.

In addition to basic respect, an inclusive workforce has the potential to boost productivity through diversity. Increased productivity and efficiency saves valuable time and resources. HRM Online interviews three out-and-proud senior leaders, including CEO of beyondblue Georgie Harman who comments on the value of a diverse workforce:

An analysis of 600 business decisions made by 200 different business teams in a wide variety of companies over two years recently found that inclusive teams made better business decisions up to 87 per cent of the time.

 

The same research showed how teams that followed an inclusive process made decisions twice as fast – and with half as many meetings. And it found that decisions made and executed by diverse teams delivered 60 per cent better results.

Harman recommends developing a clear organisational commitment to LGBTQI inclusion, particularly at a senior level, appointing visible senior champions to model respectful attitudes, showcasing role models, and fostering conversations with staff to challenge assumptions and share stories.

Awareness plays a role too as the first step in creating meaningful change to ensure LGBTQI employees are not overlooked for career opportunities, progression, and promotions. Education and training is also important, as lack of conversation and knowledge can create stigma.

HR departments can review their policies and ensure inclusivity is reflected in their employer brand. For example, ensuring parental leave policies include same-sex partners. Developing your employer brand with this is mind can assist in attracting diverse talent.

How is your workplace building inclusivity? Let us know in the comments.

If you have more strategies for building an inclusive workforce, share them with us.

Source

There are still barriers to LGBTIQ inclusion, but HR can help

HRM Online

The post Building an inclusive workforce appeared first on Recruitment Marketing.