Inclusivity does not need to complex. Many times when we begin working with clients that aim to be more inclusive there is a preemptive fear of 'doing it wrong' or 'not doing enough'. I understand this, there is a lot to consider regarding sexuality, gender and expression as well as pronouns and employee benefit needs. If this sounds familiar, let me share a permissive tip that could change everything for your company culture. Start somewhere and ask for help. This can be help from inside your company or through an agency like mine. Either way, here are the Top 10 ways you can begin your journey to cultural inclusivity as it pertains to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, specifically. 

The number one thing an employer can do to be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ and Allied community is to establish and enforce a comprehensive nondiscrimination policy that explicitly includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This policy should be clearly communicated to all employees and made easily accessible.

Here are some key elements of an effective LGBTQ+ and Allied inclusive nondiscrimination policy:

1. Explicit Protection: The policy should explicitly state that discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is strictly prohibited in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, benefits, and termination.

2. Training and Education: Employers should provide training and education for all staff members to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ and Allied issues, dispel myths and stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.

3. Gender-Neutral Language: Use gender-neutral language in all workplace communications, forms, and documents. Avoid assumptions about pronouns and allow employees to specify their preferred pronouns and those of spouses as well.

4. Inclusive Benefits: Ensure that employee benefits, including health insurance and parental leave policies, are inclusive of LGBTQ+ employees and their families. Reproductive and/or Adoption assistance coverage is almost always the most overlooked item with employers. 

5. Supportive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and respectful work environment where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or bias due to gendered or heteronormative assumptions in regard to attire requirements, or spousal assumptions.

6. Create Employee Resource Groups: Establish LGBTQ+ employee resource groups or affinity networks to provide support, community, and a platform for advocacy within the organization. Start from within, you'd be surprised how many in your current company would love to share their thoughts in a group of like-minded colleagues. 

7. Review and Update Policies Regularly: Regularly review and update policies to align with evolving legal standards and best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Once your ERG is up and running, plan to have regular meetings to discuss hot topics and need changes. 

8. Diverse Representation: Strive for diverse representation at all levels of the organization, including leadership positions, to ensure that LGBTQ+ and Allied voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

9. Address Complaints Promptly: Take any complaints of discrimination or harassment seriously and address them promptly and effectively.

10. Engage with LGBTQ+ Organizations: Collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups to gain insights, share best practices, and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

By taking these steps, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees, fostering a sense of belonging and ultimately leading to a more productive and engaged workforce. Being inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ employees is not only the right thing to do, but it can also contribute to a positive company reputation, help attract top talent, and improve overall employee satisfaction and retention.

Employees already talk about you, might as well make the conversation inclusive. 

<3 Amanda 

You're probably here to hear what we have to say, unfiltered. The truth is we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to foster a workplace culture that thrives on the unique perspectives of every individual. Today, we want to reaffirming our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all candidates. We value your talents, experiences, and identities, and we are dedicated to promoting diversity at every stage of the hiring process.

Creating Safe Spaces for Candidates: 
We understand that job hunting can be daunting, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals who may have faced discrimination or bias in the past. At Visible Talent, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive space where you can express your authentic self. Our recruiters are certified diversity sourcing professionals that approach the recruitment process with sensitivity, empathy, and respect, ensuring that you feel valued and respected throughout your journey with us. 

Understanding Bias in the Selection Process for Clients:
Our recruitment process is designed to be bias preventative and fair, ensuring that your qualifications and skills are the sole criteria for evaluation, prescreened in a tailored but uniformed way with every candidate, every time. We take pride in building a diverse candidate pool, where LGBTQ+ and allied individuals have equal opportunities to showcase their talents. Our goal is to match the best candidates with positions that align with their expertise, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

We actively seek out candidates the highest of qualified candidates from all backgrounds, recognizing that different identities enrich our workplaces and drive innovation. We firmly believe that diversity brings forth a wide range of perspectives and ideas, leading to better problem-solving and creativity within organizations. Your unique experiences and insights are integral to shaping the future of the companies we serve.

Inclusive Company Partnerships:
We collaborate and build long lasting relationships with companies that share our values of inclusivity and DEI. By partnering with employers who actively support and welcome LGBTQ+ and Allies, we ensure that you will be joining an organization that values and supports your unique journey. We are proud to work with companies that embrace diversity as a strategic advantage, promoting growth and empowerment for all employees.

Ongoing Support:
Our commitment to you doesn't end when you secure a job. We provide ongoing support, advocacy, and mentorship to help you thrive in your new role. Additionally, we continually seek feedback from our candidates, enabling us to improve our practices and uphold the highest standards of inclusivity.

Visible Talent stands unwavering in our commitment to DEI-focused recruitment, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. We firmly believe that a rich company culture is a source of strength and that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in their career. As you embark on your job search or hiring needs, know that we are here to support and champion you every step of the way.

Let's take a look at Highly Qualified Talent together, inclusively.

<3 Amanda 

#ProudToRecruitDiversity #InclusiveWorkplaces #EmbraceYourAuthenticSelf