A recent study from Stonewall Scotland, has found that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ citizens of the U.K. are still closeted in the workplace. The Findings indicate that two in five (39%) of LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide their sexuality at work, and around 36% have heard discriminatory comments about a queer-identifying colleague, while 26% have themselves experienced negative comments or conduct from customers or clients.
Some employees even reported that they believed they were fired or dismissed because of their identity. Around 31% reported they could not be themselves at work, and of these 53% have already experienced discrimination at work, including verbal and physical abuse, and feeling excluded.
Though Stonewall’s research highlights workplace issues in the U.K., the study does follow the elimination of many DEI programs at American companies following Trump’s latest roll out of executive orders which in which mandatory federal DEI efforts have been rescinded. It seems it’s not just the U.S. that doesn’t feel inclined to protect LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. Just last month, Meta, which employs tens of thousands of people worldwide, rolled back DEI initiatives, giving employees license to refer to LGBTQ+ people as “freaks” or “mentally ill.”
Without DEI departments and policies, companies give their employees full freedom to openly discriminate against others, leaving many employees vulnerable and defenseless. The data isn’t new, last year, EduBirdie conducted a study that found around 70% of LGBTQ+ employees felt “lonely, misunderstood, marginalized, or excluded at work.”
Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake said of the study “Our latest research comes at a time where LGBTQ+ rights are in the spotlight – many LGBTQ+ people and those who support them are worried about the global challenges we face to hard won and established rights.” He went on to say, “Organizations must stand firm on their commitment to equality and inclusion – not only is there a moral case, but there is a clear business case to do so. The number of LGBTQ+ people is increasing, and will be a crucial demographic in our workplaces and our society.”
“When employees feel safe to be themselves at work, they are more engaged and productive and that is good for the bottom line,” he continued.
