In today’s workplace, building an inclusive environment that welcomes and empowers everyone, including LGBTQ+ employees, is crucial. It’s good for business — and quite frankly, it’s the right thing to do.
But as with many things, it’s easier said than done.
In this guide, we will share five key tips for creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer brand and cultivating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to bring their full authentic selves.
5 Tips for Building an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer Brand
Language Matters
The words we use have immense power.
Carefully evaluating the language in all internal and external messaging, such as job postings, websites, and social media, is essential.
Use inclusive terminology, allow people to choose their own labels, and facilitate name changes if necessary.
For example, updating forms to include fields for pronouns is a small step to signal an open attitude toward personal identities.
Remain vigilant for unconscious biases everywhere and take any reports of discriminatory language extremely seriously.
Give Support
Go beyond just words by actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Do the research and sponsor relevant causes—match employee donations to LGBTQ+ non-profits, host Pride celebration events on-site, and amplify community voices by inviting guest speakers.
Most importantly, support starts at home by creating time and space for your own LGBTQ+ colleagues to feel truly included, respected, and valued as their authentic selves.
Openly make allyship visible.
Inclusive Benefits and Policies
Language and visible support are crucial, but you must also model inclusivity through your organization’s benefits and policies.
Design all programs to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of gender identity or outness.
Explicitly support LGBTQ+ employees through policies like non-discriminatory healthcare, gender-neutral parental leave, and transition guidance.
This demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
Training and Education
An inclusive workplace starts with education.
Offer ongoing DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) training covering topics like inclusive language, LGBTQ+ issues, and the practice of allyship.
Create LGBTQ+ network groups open to all employees, and ensure that everyone, from new hires to leadership, receives training on these critical concepts.
This continuous learning process helps foster an inclusive culture throughout the organization.
Question the Status Quo
Don’t just check the box and move on. Continuously engage with your LGBTQ+ and other employees to receive feedback on where you can improve.
Let your people’s voices guide your inclusivity journey through a bottom-up, not top-down, approach.
Share real employee stories to build awareness and understanding.
An excellent way to do this is through engaging and relatable videos directly from your employees.
This authentic content can be a powerful tool in showcasing your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Bonus Tip: Be Honest
Above all, approach LGBTQ+ inclusivity with sincerity and humility.
Avoid tokenism and be transparent that this is an ongoing process without a one-size-fits-all solution.
Make your commitment clear and well-known through careers pages, job descriptions, and social media, so prospective job candidates and everyone else can see it.
Keep learning, set measurable goals, and be accountable for delivering real, positive change.
Conclusion: How to Build an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer Brand
In summary, the path to an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace starts with using inclusive language and providing visible support. But it must go further by updating benefits, policies, and training with an LGBTQ+ inclusive lens. Continuously question the status quo by engaging employees and sharing their stories.
Above all, approach this journey with sincerity, humility, and accountability. An LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace doesn’t happen overnight, but it is achievable through consistent effort.
By following these tips, your company can become a beacon of inclusivity, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of respect and innovation.
Embrace the journey towards an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer brand and watch your organization thrive.
The journey starts with your first step!
