New report calls for 'practical, evidence-based approaches' to address exclusion at work
Nearly half of LGBTIQ+ employees in the workplace experienced exclusion in the past year, according to a new report, highlighting the need for continuous investment in inclusive cultures.
Early release data from the Diversity Council Australia (DCA) revealed that 46% of LGBTIQ+ employees reported experiencing discrimination and/or harassment at work in the past year.
This is 1.5 times higher than the 26% of non-LGBTIQ+ employees who experienced similar challenges, and exceeds the 39% of LGBTIQ+ employees who reported exclusion in the past year.
"Our findings point to a persistent challenge within Australian workplaces," said Catherine Hunter, CEO of Diversity Council Australia.
According to the findings, nearly half of LGBTIQ+ workers (49%) reported that people had made incorrect assumptions about their abilities based on their identity.
Another 41% said they had been ignored or treated as if they didn't exist, while 39% reported being left out of work social gatherings.
Impact of workplace exclusion
This exclusion has consequences for an organisation's productivity, according to the report.
Employees who felt frequently excluded said that it negatively impacted their mental health, lowered their job satisfaction, reduced engagement, and made them more likely to leave their job.
"Everyday exclusion matters. It undermines wellbeing, drives people out of organisations, and weakens team performance, all of which can negatively impact productivity," Hunter said.
The findings come in the wake of other persistent structural and workplace-level barriers for Australian LGBTIQ+ employees.
A recent study from Monash University found that LGBTIQ+ Australians face higher unemployment, reduced labour force participation, and concentration in less stable or lower-paid sectors.
Addressing LGBTIQ+ challenges
Hunter said organisations need "practical, evidence-based approaches" to address the systemic issues that lead to LGBTIQ+ exclusion in the workplace.
"Workplaces that invest in inclusive cultures, visible and supportive leadership, and clear policies are better positioned to reduce discrimination and create environments where all employees feel safe and respected," Hunter said.
"Organisations that take a deliberate, evidence-based approach to inclusion are better placed to reduce exclusion and support LGBTIQ+ employees so they can feel safe to be themselves at work."
The Diversity Council Australia is set to release a full set of findings on LGBTIQ+ exclusion on February 26.
It coincides with Victoria's Midsumma Festival, which takes place until February 8, and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which will happen between February 13 and March 3.
