Top Tips on Creating a Welcoming Workplace Where Employees Will Feel Comfortable Coming Out
October 11, 2023We asked members of Enterprise’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group 'EnterPride' to share their top tips on what a workplace can do to create a welcoming environment where employees will feel comfortable coming out. Here’s what they told us:
Take an authentic and balanced view
Visibility is key. If LGBTQ+ people see other employees spotlighted and celebrated, it is a tremendous boost to their confidence to come out at work. It’s essential that we talk about coming out and provide opportunities for employees to tell their stories, if they wish to share.
That said, remember to take a balanced view; it’s important that these stories are authentic to allow others to find someone to identify with. Sometimes when people share their story it can be built up as something huge, something that involves everyone, and culminates with how the individual’s life changed. And while that is the case for some, for many, while it makes their life significantly better, their life doesn't entirely change and that can also be a good thing.
Create the right culture and environment
Everyone must contribute to building a safe and inclusive work environment. Educating your workforce on all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion is essential, all the while encouraging everyone to be accepting, welcoming and open-minded.
Examples include encouraging employees to help organize and attend LGBTQ+ focused events. This helps people outside of the community to understand how to be better allies, and people in the community to understand that their workplace is a safe environment to be their authentic selves.