Workplace pride not prejudice

The top 10 most gay-friendly organisations were acknowledged last week at the Pride in Diversity annual business luncheon.

The Ivy hosted an array of organisations that were recognised for their support towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The Australian Workplace Equality Index was topped by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, followed by KPMG, and IBM Australia.

Macquarie University and Western Australia University came in at seventh place, with the Australian Federal Police at ninth place.

Companies were judged on inclusive policies, networking groups, organisational awareness, diversity training and community engagement.

Pride in Diversity Director Dawn Hough said many people do not feel their workplace is a place where they can truly be themselves.

“We do know that the majority of LGBT employees hide who they are at work,” she said.

“We also know there are heightened levels of workplace stress associated with not being true to yourself at work, there’s fear of being outed against your will and of career implications.”

While there are many organisations who have identified the need for internal practices to promote equality for LGBT people, there are still many who are in fear of adopting.

“For many it’s just ignorance, there’s no understanding of why this is important,” Ms Hough said.

“The focus is on the sexuality rather than understanding and addressing some of the inequalities and challenges that are faced by a significant number of people.”

Many just state that they are too ‘conservative’ to be going down this path, she said.

A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police, Delia Quigley said its Gay and Lesbian Liaison Network has been operating since 1996 and senior managers actively discuss LGBT issues in the workplace.

Ms Quigley said people perform better in the workplace when they are able to be themselves.

“They don’t have to hide or have fear of retribution or bullying because of who they are.”

She believes companies will have a happier workforce, more productivity and be seen as a better organisation if they look after all the cross sections of people.

According to 2002 research by the University of Technology, Sydney, two out of five LGBT staff members had changed jobs due to discrimination and were four times more likely to be discriminated against.

The Pride in Diversity membership program provides employers with the expertise and support required to implement and strengthen the LGBT component of their internal diversity practices.

By Lynn Chinnock