'People perform better when they can be themselves' – it's a popular and frequently used phrase from Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual equality charity. While critics often question why sexual orientation should matter in the workplace Stonewall is quick to point to the hidden cost of staff being unable to be authentic at work.
"If you can't be open about yourself, if you have to constantly self-censor, your ability to perform diminishes – it has to," says Laura Doughty, Stonewall deputy chief executive. "All the energy and effort you put in to shutting yourself off can be a real waste and it prevents you from building the most effective relationships with your colleagues."
For several years Stonewall has been developing an integrated workplace programme that specifically focuses on developing authenticity and inclusion in the workplace. The charity's Diversity Champions programme boasts some 600 major employer members who are committed to developing and supporting their lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. With members ranging from IBM, to Lloyds Banking Group to the Army Diversity Champions employ more than five million people between them, and the programme is the largest non-governmental intervention of its kind in the world.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual staff can also be inspired by successful gay leaders within their organisation; having an open LGB leader sends a strong message to all staff, and encourages junior staff to feel confident in being open about their sexual orientation at work. Stonewall runs a unique programme to help LGB leaders and emerging leaders to overcome barriers to their professional development. Run in partnership with Ashridge Business School, the programme allows participants to quickly drill down to the issues they face, and to develop ways forward.
For younger gay people – or people setting out in a new career – choosing a gay-friendly employer can be essential. It seems unthinkable today, but until 1 December 2003 it was legal to discriminate against people because they were lesbian, gay or bisexual – and the hangover of the discrimination people experienced is still clearing.
Every year since 2005, Stonewall has published a benchmarking index of the most gay-friendly employers in Britain. The inaugural index included six employers who requested anonymity; now there is open competition between rival employers keen to perform well. The Home Office, IBM and Lloyds have all secured the top spot in the list over the years, with IBM becoming the first employer to head the list twice.
Gay jobseekers can also use Starting Out, a Stonewall guide that profiles LGB-friendly employers. The guide provides biographies of employers committed to supporting and developing their lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, along with contact details and case studies of successful gay staff working at the featured employers. The guide, which is supported by Credit Suisse, includes details of more than 420 employers across Britain.
And for jobseekers specifically looking for open vacancies at LGB-friendly employers there is now a dedicated Stonewall website called Proud Employers. All of the vacancies are with employers who are members of the Diversity Champions programme. As Doughty concludes: "Attracting, developing and retaining the most talented staff is key for all of the employers Stonewall works with.
"By advertising vacancies on our dedicated site or showcasing why they are an employer of choice in the careers guide, these employers directly reach out to lesbian, gay and bisexual talent, who look for employers who will enable them to be authentic at work and ensure they perform to their full potential."
Content produced and controlled by Square Peg Media, supporter of the Diversity hub.
