Nearly half of LGBTQI+ workers face discrimination — how do we turn the tide?

In line with Pride Month 2024, we recently launched our latest Workmonitor Pulse survey results , focusing on LGBTQI+ inclusion in the workplace. The research shines a light on the progress we’ve made towards inclusivity in the world of work, and importantly, the amount of work that is yet to be done.

The new data shows equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDI&B) initiatives and policies have gone some way to enabling LGBTQI+ workers to be themselves at work.?

Room for improvement

Nearly half (47%) of UK-based respondents admitted to facing discrimination at work, with more than a quarter (27%) stating that the discrimination they faced at work had become worse in the past five years. And almost two in five 39% said they felt more isolated in their workplace now than they did five years ago.

Victoria Short said: “These trends are troubling and highlight how much work the country needs to do. That a quarter of respondents have experienced worsening discrimination over the past five years is deeply concerning. Additionally, with four in ten of our respondents feeling more isolated now than they did five years ago, it's clear that progress toward inclusivity has stalled — or even reversed — in some areas. As business leaders and employers, we must redouble our efforts to combat discrimination and foster environments where everyone feels included and valued. This is not just about policy, but about creating a culture of respect and support for all employees."

The direct impact of a non-inclusive workplace has shown to be that the LGBTQI+ community prefers to work remotely, and increasingly among Millennials (45%). This continues into career progression as 43% of Millennials feel their sexuality or gender identity has impacted their pay or career progression — 13 percentage points higher than Gen X respondents.

Inauthenticity has also been called out as, particularly Millennial workers, are encouraging businesses to make more meaningful changes. While 44% of those surveyed in the UK say they faced less discrimination at work than they did 5 years ago, half (50%) said their employer’s contribution to Pride and LGBTQI+ initiatives felt tokenistic.

Fostering an inclusive environment

Almost two-thirds, (65%) said they believed their employer needs to introduce internal policies for a more inclusive workplace — such as inclusive job ads, training or business resource groups. While 58% believed their employer needs to take a stance on LGBTQI+ issues in a public forum ― via media engagement or social media activity, a larger number (66%) wanted their employer to take a stance on LGBTQI+ issues internally.?

Almost seven in ten (69%) agreed that “The responsibility for fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQI+ workers lies with my employer”.

Victoria Short said: “It’s no good making changes to look good — or just to do what is expected of the business — if you aren’t committed to making deeper, worthwhile changes.? LGBTQI+ employees want their employers to take an authentic stand on this internally and externally as well as introducing the right policies within the organisation and fostering an inclusive environment.”

Positive developments

It’s not all bad news, our latest findings also revealed some positive steps organisations are taking to promote inclusion and belonging.

The increase in policies and initiatives to support the LGBTQI+ community has created a better working environment, as 58% of LGBTQI+ workers in the UK feel comfortable discussing their sexuality or gender identity at work. However, a quarter still avoid it altogether.

Another progressive step is that 62% of those surveyed feel their employers have taken meaningful action to create an equitable workplace for LGBTQI+ employees. The LGBTQI+ community also voiced their appreciation for allyship, as more than half (58%) said they value allyship at work more than they did a few years ago, which rose to 63% for Gen Z respondents.

Celebrating pride at Randstad

As well as a steady stream of in-person events across Randstad offices nationwide, in celebration of Pride month, our very own pride employee network group hosted a Pride webinar where they shared lived experiences of the LGBTQI+ community, tips for allyship and advice on how to create an inclusive work environment.?

Our global CEO, Sander van ‘t Noordende also featured on a LinkedIn Live event to discuss how employers can drive positive change and show allyship, all year round. He was joined by Erin Uritus , CEO, Out and Equal and Allyn L. Shaw , COO, of Consumer Technology, Wells Fargo. Re-watch the full event here .

Understanding workers’ needs and taking authentic steps to create inclusive workplaces is not just the right thing to do. It’s also a fundamental business imperative for retaining top talent, in the face of growing complexity from a world in constant flux. Companies must build equitable workplaces where all workers can feel they belong.

Sander van 't Noordende , Global CEO, Randstad

Find more data and insights in our Workmonitor Pulse Survey Results.