4 Ways to Identify an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Workplace
Discrimination is alive and well in many workplaces throughout the United States. Many veterans face discrimination regularly for their military service, and some members of the LGBTQIA+ community are discriminated against for their sexual preferences. If you prefer not to waste your time applying for jobs with managers and owners who won’t accept you for who you are, look out for some of the following indicators of an LGBTQIA+ friendly workplace.
Look At the Company Website
While you can always rely on an Engel & Martin LGTBQ discrimination lawyer to assist with any discrimination-related concerns, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth learning more about a company before applying for a job to see if they’ll welcome you with open arms.
Many companies have a ‘values and missions’ page outlining information about diversity, their values, and what they care about as a company. If the company also includes pictures of its team, take note of how diverse the workforce is and whether there is a varied representation of ethnicity and gender. Sometimes, businesses will outright describe themselves as a diverse and LGTBQ-friendly workplace, and this might give you the confidence you need to apply for a job without delay.
Read Through Job Listings
If information is lacking on a company’s website, read through their current job listings to see if they’ve mentioned their diversity. Some businesses describe themselves as equal opportunity employers that hire and retain a workforce reflective of the communities they serve. Often, this means they welcome minorities, females, protected vets, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with open arms.
Browse Social Media During Pride Month
June 1 to June 30 is LGBT Pride Month, a month chosen to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and the effort that went into equal justice and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Americans.
If you’re curious about a company’s stance, check out their social media updates during this period. Many businesses get on board with rainbow graphics and various promotional materials. You might have reason to question their diversity and stance if you see nothing of the kind on a normally active business social media account.
Ask Them
Not every small, medium, or large business has a significant digital footprint, and it might be hard for you to know their stance based on what you see online. If a job sounds particularly desirable, don’t be afraid to ask questions to gauge their level of support for the LGBTQIA+ community if you are offered a job interview. Some of the best questions to ask might be:
- What are your company’s most important values?
- Do you provide diversity and inclusion training?
- How do you promote inclusivity among employees?
- How do you encourage diversity in your workplace?
You don’t necessarily need to ask them outright, but their answers to these questions above might tell you everything you need to know.
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect in their workplace, but discrimination is still rife in many parts of the country. If you’re concerned about discrimination in a company, take note of these research tips above or seek the assistance of a discrimination lawyer.