Empowering LGBTIQ+ Employees with Performance Coaching

According to Randstad's 2022 Workmonitor research, 88% of workers surveyed worldwide would be interested in learning and development opportunities if their employer offered them, and 84% would be interested in speaking to a professional career coach.

In addition, 87% of employees would prefer to change roles within their current organisation. Coaching clearly has a role in improving retention, progression, and engagement—not just performance.

• 97% of Employees in a coaching program are satisfied with their coaching
• 93% find participation in programs extremely valuable
• 95% intend to continue with their coach at the end of the program if it could be extended.

Of those not currently being coached, 90% say they would engage with an employer’s coaching program if offered the opportunity. Expectations are running high; three-quarters (75%) of those without a coach would expect to find it a very or extremely valuable experience if they did.

However, there is a challenge; almost two-thirds of employers reported through the Randstad survey that coaching was available to all employees. Notably, access to coaching in Australia is much lower than in other developed economies.

Across the world, only about 30% of employees in the same organisations access coaching, and less than 20% believe it’s even available. Rather, it’s the privilege of existing leaders, high-flyers and emerging talent.

Coaching entails strengthening an employee's existing skills and pinpointing areas for growth. It often involves defining performance goals, honing specific skills, and setting clear objectives. The aim is to equip employees with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive and succeed professionally.

At HiR , we are committed to empowering individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community to achieve their full potential in their careers and for the businesses they work for. As a coaching business founded by a queer man with lived experience, HiR offers unique advantages that directly address the specific needs and challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the professional world. We provide access to a team of coaches from the LGBTIQ+ community to deliver for LGBTIQ+ employees.

Suppose your organisation’s existing coaching offer doesn’t include access to lived experience coaches for your LGBTIQ+ employees. In that case, you could be unwittingly excluding these employees from the program's true benefits or unintentionally preventing them from engaging with the offer.

Understanding and Empathy

Our coaches at HiR have a deep understanding of the challenges, discrimination, and societal pressures that LGBTIQ+ individuals may encounter in the workplace. Research shows that employees who feel understood and valued are more engaged and productive. According to a Gallup study, highly engaged teams show 21% higher profitability (Gallup, "State of the American Workplace").

Tailored Support

We recognise that LGBTIQ+ individuals often have unique career or business challenges related to identity, workplace culture, and networking. Studies have found that coaching leads to a 70% improvement in work performance, an 86% increase in working relationships, and an 80% increase in self-confidence (International Coach Federation, "Global Coaching Client Study"). Our coaches provide tailored support and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively, empowering clients to thrive authentically in their professional lives.

Identity Integration

At HiR, we help clients integrate their identity authentically into their career or business endeavours. A Deloitte survey found that organisations with inclusive cultures are six times more likely to be innovative and agile ("The Six Signature Traits of Inclusive Leadership," Deloitte Insights). Our coaches guide individuals in exploring and embracing their authentic selves, leading to greater confidence, self-expression, and success.

Advocacy and Networking

With connections in the LGBTIQ+ community and a commitment to advocacy, HiR coaches help clients access supportive resources, networks, and opportunities. Research from the International Coach Federation (ICF) shows that 86% of companies report they recouped their investment in coaching and more, with 96% of organisations indicating they would use coaching again ("ICF Global Coaching Client Study").

Mental Health and Well-being

We understand the importance of holistic well-being for LGBTIQ+ individuals in the workplace. According to a study by the International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring, coaching leads to a 53% increase in emotional well-being and a 48% increase in overall health ("The Impact of Coaching on Emotional Well-Being," International Journal of Evidence-Based Coaching and Mentoring). Our coaches provide support and strategies to manage stress, improve resilience, and foster self-care, ensuring clients can thrive professionally and personally.

Role Modeling and Inspiration

At HiR, we believe in the power of role modelling and inspiration. Our coaches, who have overcome similar challenges and achieved success, serve as role models for clients, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve professional success while staying true to one's authentic self. Research from the ICF also indicates that 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence ("ICF Global Coaching Client Study").

By combining the benefits of having a performance coach with lived experience for the LGBTIQ+ community with HiR's personalized coaching approach and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, we empower LGBTIQ+ individuals to unlock their full potential, amplify their strengths, and confidently achieve their career and business goals.

Seven things you need to know about coaching for the LGBTIQ+ community

1. Improved Career Satisfaction: Research by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation found that 53% of LGBT employees are not out at work. Coaching can help create a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to be themselves, leading to increased career satisfaction and engagement ("LGBT Workers in the U.S.: The Need for Protections, HRC Foundation").

1. Enhanced Leadership Skills: A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior showed that coaching interventions can significantly improve LGBTIQ+ leaders' leadership skills, including communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution ("The Effects of Coaching Interventions on Leadership Skills," Journal of Vocational Behavior).
2. Reduced Workplace Stress: According to the American Psychological Association, LGBT individuals often face higher levels of workplace stress due to discrimination and lack of support. Coaching can help individuals develop coping strategies and resilience, reducing stress levels and improving well-being ("Workplace Stress and Coping in the Era of Globalization and Technology," American Psychological Association).
3. Increased Job Performance: A study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership found that coaching leads to a 22.4% improvement in job performance for LGBT employees, highlighting the positive impact of coaching on professional growth and development ("The Impact of Coaching on LGBT Employees," Center for Creative Leadership).
4. Higher Levels of Self-Acceptance: Coaching can support LGBT individuals in embracing their identity and achieving higher levels of self-acceptance. Research published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology indicates that coaching interventions can significantly improve self-esteem and self-compassion among LGBT clients ("The Impact of Coaching on Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion," Journal of Counseling Psychology).
5. Improved Team Collaboration: LGBT individuals who receive coaching often report better collaboration and teamwork skills. A study by the International Coach Federation showed that coaching leads to a 67% increase in effective teamwork and collaboration among LGBT employees ("ICF Global Coaching Client Study").
6. Career Advancement Opportunities: Coaching can help LGBT individuals overcome barriers to career advancement. According to a report by Out Leadership, companies with inclusive cultures and coaching programs for LGBT employees are more likely to see higher promotion and career progression ("The Business Impact of LGBT-Inclusive Cultures," Out Leadership).

HiR can be added as a service provider to your existing coaching program alongside your mainstream provider to provide a lived experience option for employees identifying as LGBTIQ+. Alternatively, we can work through your LGBTIQ+ group to tailor coaching programs specifically to the needs of LGBTIQ+ employees.