Brits share top ways workplaces could be more supportive of LGBTQ+ community
Brits have shared the top ways they feel workplaces could be more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community – with a quarter saying there should be a dedicated gender identity policy in place.
More than four in ten Brits (42%) would consider themselves an “ally”, according to a poll of 2,000 adults – with one in five saying workplaces should offer dedicated groups for LGBTQ+ employees.
The same number (20%) believe donating to LGBTQ+ charities is a good way for employers to show support – while 23% feel gender neutral bathrooms are important at work.
And three in ten think the correct use of pronouns at work would help LGBTQ+ employees feel more supported.
As it stands, two-thirds of adults feel that their workplace does not demonstrate adequate support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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The research, commissioned by Greene King, also revealed the top settings where people feel comfortable opening up about such issues – with the pub topping the list, for 38% of respondents.
Brits are almost three times as likely to open up about such issues down at the pub, rather than in the workplace (Kriangkrai Thitimakorn/Getty Images)The pub chain is seeking to explore the different ways both employees and customers can support the LGBTQ+ community.
It also works closely with The Village Greene, its LGBTQ+ focussed, employee-led inclusion group, as well as being an active supporter of Switchboard, an LGBTQ+ Helpline.
Assad Malic, the pub chain’s chief communications and sustainability officer, said: “It’s clear from our recent study that the humble pub is a fantastic place to open up a conversation about issues experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Therefore, we need to do everything we can to ensure our pubs are a safe and welcoming space for all, regardless of gender or sexual identity.
“Both employers and customers want to see more action when it comes to LGBTQ+ support, and we’re committed to offering this at every level of the business, to ensure pubs remain at the heart of the community for all.”
When questioned on the use of a transgender person’s chosen name, 34% said that while they would use it, they’d struggle to remember it.
And 17% would only use the name if they had to – with 8% admitting they’d never use it at all.
Opening up a conversation about LGBTQ+ issues is often easiest in a familiar setting, according to the research.
Nearly a quarter of Brits say workplaces should have gender neutral bathrooms to be more supportive (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)The research, carried out through OnePoll, revealed that 38% of those polled voted the pub as the perfect place to have an open discussion with a friend – ranking higher than restaurants (29%) and the workplace (14%).
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To help raise awareness of the need for allyship in Pride month and beyond, Greene King has also partnered with celebrity quizzer and LGBTQ+ ally, Jenny Ryan, to debunk common myths about LGBTQ+ issues.
They said: “The research shows a huge number of people see LGBTQ+ issues debated across social media, where there’s very little scrutiny or fact checking going on.
“Everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinion, but it’s important to be informed before you speak out on issues at the heart of the community.
“No one is expecting you to be up to date with every single issue – but if you’re unsure about someone or something, whether that’s in the workplace or at home, there’s absolutely no harm in asking politely.
“If you need someone to talk to, either about your own experiences or those of a loved one, Switchboard LGBT is the place to go.”
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