A new study by LGBTQ+ talent and networking platform myGwork found that 80% of LGBTQ+ Gen Zers are reluctant to join companies that have recently withdrawn their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As companies strive to attract top talent in an increasingly competitive market, this data highlights the importance of consistent and authentic support for diversity and inclusion. With nearly a third of today’s students and recent graduates identifying as LGBTQ+, the findings reveal that employers looking to attract and retain this talent must go beyond superficial inclusion statements.
Only 5% of LGBTQ+ graduates believe that companies are doing enough to foster a truly inclusive environment, compared to 14% of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, suggesting a substantial perception gap. To bridge this gap, companies are urged to adopt visible, meaningful support that resonates with values-driven Gen Z candidates.
ONGOING DISCRIMINATION BARRIERS
A key factor for LGBTQ+ Gen Z job seekers is authentic leadership. The study found that 80% of LGBTQ+ respondents are more likely to accept a job if the company’s leadership includes visible LGBTQ+ allies or role models. “Authenticity isn’t optional for Gen Z. Companies serious about inclusion must show it through actions and leadership, not just policies,” stated myGwork’s co-founders Adrien and Pierre Gaubert.
The findings emphasise that companies lacking visible LGBTQ+ representation within their leadership risk alienating a significant portion of the Gen Z talent pool, particularly candidates driven by values of authenticity and social responsibility.
Despite strides in inclusivity, discrimination remains a pressing issue for young LGBTQ+ professionals. The survey reveals that 48% of LGBTQ+ students and recent graduates have witnessed discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This figure is considerably higher than the 32% reported by their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Additionally, over a third of LGBTQ+ respondents reported experiencing discrimination firsthand. This highlights the need for proactive policies to combat workplace homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
INCLUSIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT WORKFAIR 2024
In response to these challenges, myGwork is hosting its annual WorkFair – a virtual career fair that connects LGBTQ+ job seekers with top employers committed to inclusivity – on 13 November 2024, WorkFair will provide participants with access to hundreds of job opportunities, career-building workshops and discussions led by inspiring LGBTQ+ role models. This year’s attendees include talent scouts from inclusive companies such as Pfizer, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, Booking.com, JPMorgan Chase, AstraZeneca, GSK, Clifford Chance, and many others.
“WorkFair 2024 is an incredible opportunity for LGBTQ+ students, recent graduates, and allies to apply for roles with inclusive employers, enabling them to be their true selves at work,” added Adrien & Pierre Gaubert. “Beyond real-time job opportunities, the event provides essential career advice and guidance for success in their chosen fields.”
In an era where authenticity and inclusivity are essential to winning the talent war, events like WorkFair demonstrate a proactive approach to fostering workplaces where diverse voices are celebrated. WorkFair 2024 is free for LGBTQ+ students, recent graduates and allies. Click here to register for FREE.
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