The vast majority (92 per cent) of global LGBTQ2S+ employees say they consider potential employers’ reputations around LGBTQ2S+ inclusion when searching for a job, according to a new survey by Out Leadership.
The survey, which polled more than 2,700 LGBTQ2S+ and ally workers, found 80 per cent of LGBTQ2S+ employees were comfortable being out at work, a major increase from 36 per cent in 2016.
Transgender and non-binary employees were more likely (nine per cent) than other LGBTQ2S+ employees (seven per cent) to say they’re uncomfortable being out at work and many felt it hasn’t been good for their careers.
Read: Survey finds 53% of U.S. workers say DEI a key factor when searching for new job
Black lesbian employees were more likely (41 per cent) than other LGBTQ+ employees (26 per cent) to say they’ve felt uncomfortable or insulted by comments made by colleagues about the LGBTQ2S+ community. Non-binary employees were the least likely to agree (34 per cent versus 27 per cent) that their employer takes action to protect its LGBTQ2S+ employees from offensive comments or behaviours.
Nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) of LGBTQ2S+ talent said they believe being out in the workplace has had a positive impact on their career opportunities and advancement and 78 per cent said being LGBTQ2S+ has helped them build their personal and professional networks.
“To maintain this talent advantage, avoid a brain drain and continue realizing strong profits, business leaders must reject the rise in anti-LGBTQ2S+ laws in every state and country where they operate,” said Todd Sears, founder and chief executive officer of Out Leadership, in a press release.
Read: Lack of LGBTQ2S+ inclusivity costing employers, says expert