GLBT in the workplace - news from abroad

Diversity-inclusive policies need to be backed by matching attitudes if lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) workers are to feel confident at work, according to a British study.

While “gay friendly” policies were one factor that was felt to improve respondents’ confidence, happiness and productivity at work, the extent to which a workplace challenged or accepted homophobia had a major impact on LGB workers.

“Perceptions of a homophobic or unsafe environment, negative experiences, and an inability to come out can all result in LGB workers leaving an organisation,” the study found.

“LGB case study respondents (aged under 30) who had come out early in their careers had felt able to do so because of equality initiatives undertaken by the case study employers and cited experience of a ‘gay friendly’ environment as a key factor in relation to retention and future career expectations,” the report said.

The study looked at 16 ‘good practice’ employers and interviewed 154 LGB workers following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

The workplaces surveyed showed a gap between their diversity policies and implementation, with 81.1 percent of those surveyed strongly agreeing that their employer had ‘gay friendly’ policies but only 62.7 percent strongly agreeing that their employer was gay friendly in practice.

“Concerns were expressed about the enforcement of policy within organisations. Respondents voiced strong concerns about the way in which organisations relied on LGB people to come forward and ‘whistle blow’ and the burden and risk of exposure that this placed on individuals experiencing harassment and discrimination.”

Among the initiatives that LGB workers found helpful were the appointment of diversity champions and workplace campaigns highlighting inclusion and safety. The establishment of gay networks in an organisation were seen as positive proof that an environment was gay friendly.

Fifty-seven percent of the respondents were out with everyone at work, and a further 33 percent were out to some people at work. Those who were out said they felt happier and more relaxed at work and this enabled them to interact better with colleagues. “Such personal benefits were in turn perceived by some respondents to bring about organisational benefits in the form of improved productivity, which for one organisation had been evidenced by research.”

Transgender scientist sees bias

Stanford University biologist Ben Barres has an unusual insight into the glass ceiling for female scientists since he changed from being Barbara Barres.

He’s heard comments from other scientists that seem to confirm that female scientists get less respect than their male colleagues.

“Ben Barres gave a great seminar today, but then his work is much better than his sister’s,” said one scientist who was unaware of Barres’ sex change.
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