Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is negatively impacting the experience of LGBTQ+ employees and allies in US workplaces, according to a new study.
The latest research, Talent on the Move–Where Do We Go From Here? highlights how the US legislative landscape and the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ bills are impacting the LGBTQ+ workforce experience. The study carried out by nonprofit Out & Equal found that a quarter (24%) of respondents hear jokes about the LGBTQ+ community at work. Of those who reported hearing jokes, 84% report hearing jokes about transgender people.
Around 40% of LGBTQ+ survey respondents said they did not feel fully comfortable discussing the impact of legislative changes on them and/or their families with their supervisors. Additionally, more than two-thirds (79%) said that anti-LGBTQ+ laws would affect whether they would relocate for a new job or position in a particular state.
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
Other findings from the report, showed that the US legislative landscape is having a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ people and allies. For example:
- 94% of respondents feel LGBTQ+ equality has worsened in the last year.
- 45% of respondents feel less safe in their state of residence because of changes in LGBTQ+ rights.
- 31% of respondents have considered relocating as a result of feeling less safe in their state of residence due to state-level policy changes.
“For the past two decades, the LGBTQ+ movement has made significant advancements in equality, inclusion, and belonging in nearly all aspects of society and culture,” stated Out & Equal’s Chief Executive Officer Erin Uritus. “Today, that progress is being challenged with pervasive intensity. Since 2015, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been on the rise. 2023 set an all-time record, which 2024 is well on pace to surpass with more than 475 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation already introduced in US state legislatures. These bills have devastating impacts on LGBTQ+ people, their families, their workplaces, and their communities. We are at a tipping point. It’s why now, more than ever before, the LGBTQ+ community needs action paired with authentic allyship. When and where public policy falls short, businesses and their leaders have, can, and must become changemakers.”
ADVANCING LGBTQ+ INCLUSION
LGBTQ+ people and allies expect their employers and workplaces to act and provide support, also found that 72% of respondents feel that their company did not respond sufficiently to the increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. If they or a family member were impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, respondents want their employer to support them by:
- Offering flexible/remote work options (56%).
- Engaging in public policy advocacy (55%).
- Providing employer-funded relocation services/resources (52%).
- Providing support for out-of-state travel and benefits (50%).
- Hosting dedicated Employee Assistance Programmes for employees struggling with the impact, anticipated and felt, of changing legislation (42%).
The report also outlines recommendations and actionable steps that businesses can take to support the LGBTQ+ community and advance LGBTQ+ equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and beyond. They include strengthening workplace policies and culture, active policy engagement, enhanced support systems, and community and network building, among others.
LGBTQ+ INCLUSION AT WORK MATTERS
“When lawmakers flood state houses with anti-LGBTQ+ bills, they are not just hurting LGBTQ+ people and their families, they are throwing up roadblocks to business growth,” said Out & Equal’s Chief Programme and Partnerships Officer Deena Fidas. “This research demonstrates that public policy aimed at curbing the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community also curbs businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent, relocate employees with ease, and generally be nimble in the market. Inclusion and belonging are pillars that are both moral imperatives and smart business practice. With the insights shared in this report, employers can reflect on their workplace policies and ensure they are taking the right steps to support this community with the resources they need.”
Click here to download a copy of the full report.
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