🌈 How can HR departments contribute to inclusivity during Pride Month?

Dear Community,

this month we celebrate PRIDE! With the ongoing journey towards diversity, equity and inclusion, Pride Month and today's International Pride Day are central events that celebrate the beautiful identities of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Where did Pride Month originate?

To understand the origins of Pride Month, we need to take a trip back to the 60s. The Stonewall Riots represent a significant moment in the movement for the LGBTQIA+ community. At the time, the protests were held on the occasion of a police raid at the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City. The Riots were the start of a movement that numerous businesses and organisations are following today. 

What does “Pride" mean in the workplace?

In a recent report on LGBT+ people in the workplace published by Deloitte, 600 respondents were surveyed from a pool of international employees. The results revealed that 79% of employees found that employers are already trying to promote LGBT+ inclusion. 42% said they had already experienced negative experiences or non-inclusive behaviours in the workplace.

On Pride Month, companies are invited to incorporate the rainbow colours onto their logos. This is a common way to bring attention and visibility to the movement and show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s think one step further!

👀 Most importantly it is necessary to raise awareness. This includes, for example, informing employees about the origins of the movement. Educational opportunities, such as workshops, can also be held by both internal and external stakeholders all year round.

🗣️ Encourage conversations and address concerns in the office. Find out if someone wants to share their own experiences and challenges that they see in their day-to-day life or in the office. This can help foster empathy and build understanding.

💪 Provide resources, policies and support networks for employees with unique needs. Take steps to ensure your workplace environment (including the tools and systems you use) are accessible and inclusive for all. Remember, true allyship is an ongoing journey of learning, listening, and taking action.

🌈 Participate in activities that provide meaningful recognition towards the Pride movement. This can be, for example, participating in a Pride Parade! If you yourself attended one, feel free to share your images/ impressions in the thread! 😍

Considerations

The world wide conversations around inclusion get an extra dose of visibility during this month. However, as this year’s Pride Month is almost over, we need to continue fostering and promoting inclusivity beyond!

Having a positive workplace culture is a benefit in itself but ultimately it can also boost employee satisfaction and productivity. According to a report by Diversity for Social Impact, around 38% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that is genuinely committed to their initiatives.

Happy Pride!
Your Personio Community Team