Randstad’s latest Workmonitor Pulse survey of more than 2,000 LGBTIQA+ employees around the world has revealed that half (49%) of LGBTIQA+ workers in Australia have faced discrimination or prejudice at work, with a quarter (25%) reporting that they face more discrimination now compared to five years ago.

The lack of inclusion and acceptance at work is having an impact on LGBTIQA+ workers’ overall career potential. Over a third (36%) believe their sexuality or gender identity has negatively affected their pay or progression, and two-in-five (42%) are worried it will impact their progression in the future.

lack of inclusion leads to businesses losing out on key talent

Businesses are also losing out on key talent, as worries over discrimination in the workplace have compelled as many as three in ten to quit their jobs (29%) or pursue alternative career paths (31%). Two in five (38%) have even backed out of an application process due to fear of discrimination.

The lack of inclusion at work is also impacting productivity, with a third (33%) of LGBTIQA+ employees reporting that they feel less motivated or productive at work as they cannot be themselves, while the same proportion (34%) opt to work remotely wherever possible as the office doesn’t feel like an inclusive space to them.

change needs to be legitimate, not tokenistic

While the research shows that discrimination at work is still a reality for many, improvements have been made, with two thirds (62%) reporting that their employer has taken meaningful action to create an equitable workplace.

The majority (62%) of LGBTIQA+ workers believe that businesses should take a stance on LGBTIQA+ issues internally and make positive changes but businesses should be cautious of appearing inauthentic in their actions.

Take this month’s Pride Month, for example. Half (49%) of LGBTIQA+ workers say their employer is actively engaging in the celebrations, but two in five (39%) consider these contributions to be tokenistic.

LGBTIQA+ workers are looking for allyship and support from their employer instead, with three in five (59%) saying they value it more than ever before. However, only half (55%) agree their employers are active allies and a quarter (28%) feel more isolated in their workplace now than they did five years ago.

Madeline Hill, General Manager of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Randstad Australia, comments: “Over the past decade, lots of businesses in Australia have taken positive strides towards creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce, but the journey is not over. It’s incredibly disheartening to hear a concerning proportion of LGBTIQA+ workers are still facing discrimination at work, which is impacting their career progression simply for being who they are.

“Business leaders have a responsibility to continue to make improvements and foster real, meaningful change. Workers consistently tell us that the ability to be themselves at work means that they feel more productive, motivated and inspired to reach their full potential. In a talent scarce world of work, companies need to attract and retain their best talent more than ever. It’s not just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense.”

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