Nearly half (44.6%) of LGBTQ+ professionals have experienced depression at some point in their lives, a ground-breaking global study carried out by myGwork has found. This rate is even higher among trans and non-binary participants at 53.3%, and a staggering 59% for bi+/plurisexual individuals.
The study also found anxiety to be a significant issue with around a third (31%) of LGBTQ+ professionals reporting experiences of a generalised anxiety disorder. Again, the figures are markedly higher for trans, non-binary, and bi+/pluri-sexual individuals, highlighting the pervasive mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community.
As Pride Month ends, the research serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the continued need for support, understanding, and inclusion in all areas of their lives. Spanning 65 countries and insights from over 1,000 participants, the research explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ professionals both in society and in the workplace. Partnering with social psychologist and LGBTQ+ mental health expert Marc Svensson, this study unveils alarming statistics that underscore the urgent need for improved wellbeing support systems in both societal and workplace settings.
The survey found that many LGBTQ+ professionals feel uncomfortable about expressing their authentic selves. In fact, only 13.7% of respondents feel they can be fully authentic in societal or workplace environments, indicating a widespread issue of self-censorship and fear. The majority of survey respondents (72.2%) said they felt they could be more authentic and their true selves amongst friends. In contrast, just over a third (35.7%) feel authentic around their families, and a similar proportion (32.6%) at work. Regional differences were also noted, with higher levels of openness reported in the UK and Europe compared to North America and Africa.
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE PROGRESS
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress, particularly in the workplace. The study found that over half (58%) of LGBTQ+ professionals are open about their sexual orientation with everyone or most people at work. This openness increases dramatically to 80.5% among those employed by a myGwork partner organisation, suggesting that inclusive workplace cultures significantly impact the comfort levels of LGBTQ+ professionals.
The study underscores the critical need for more comprehensive training and policies to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ professionals. Yet three-quarters of LGBTQ+ respondents indicated that their workplaces do not offer adequate mental health support or training.
“Our latest research highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals globally. It is vital to recognise their unique struggles and provide comprehensive mental health support. Workplaces must not only be inclusive but also actively support LGBTQ+ individuals to foster thriving environments. This calls for urgent change and presents an opportunity for employers to lead in creating a supportive world,” stated Adrien & Pierre Gaubert, Co-founders of myGwork. “As advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, we urge employers and policymakers to make concrete changes in workplace policies to support LGBTQ+ employees and their mental health.”
The research report also offers recommendations on how employers and policymakers can implement more robust mental health support systems and cultivate inclusive work environments that allow LGBTQ+ people to express their authentic selves without fear.
To download the full report, click here.
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