6 tips for supporting LGBTI+ inclusion in the workplace

You can play a proactive role in making your workplace safer and more inclusive for people who are LGBTIQ+.

Research from ACON, the New South Wales health promotion campaign, found that LGBTIQ+ people who were able to be open about themselves at work experienced better health and wellbeing outcomes and better measures in terms of performance and productivity than those who are not. The data provides a strong case for organisations to continue to focus on LGBTIQ+ inclusion, specifically on some of the unique challenges faced by employees. 

Here are six things that you can to promote inclusion in your workplace: 

• Use the right language: Inclusive language respects how people describe their own bodies, gender and relationships. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia has an inclusive language guide. Use this guide to ensure the language you use, and the communications your workplace releases, reflect that your workplace is a safe and respectful place for all. 
• Reflect: What are you currently doing to ensure LGBTIQ+ people are valued and supported in your workplace? Is there action you can take to improve respect and attitudes in your workplace? You might consider conducting a survey or workplace review to find the answers to these questions. 
• Review: Are your workplace’s policies and guidelines inclusive of everyone? If not, what do you need to fix now?
• Educate: Is there training that you and people in your workplace can undertake to improve inclusion in your workplace? Check out this directory of training opportunities from LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
• Support: Share R U OK?'s LGBTIQ+ conversation guideconversation guide with your colleagues and encourage everyone to learn when and how to ask someone who is LGBTIQ+, “Are you OK?” in a safe and supportive way.
• Listen: Download and listen to R U OK?'s 'We need to talk' podcast series. The series is for anyone who wants to lend support to the people in their world, with a focus on LGBTIQA+ communities.

By actively focusing on inclusion you can help improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ people and reduce stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.

Want to build a workplace culture where everyone feels safe, supported and encouraged? Become an R U OK? Workplace Champion. Learn more.

Find conversation tips and resources to help you navigate a conversation with someone who might be struggling with life here.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or one of the services and supports listed at ruok.org.au/findhelp