It is no secret that inclusion holds the key to corporate success, in particular, LGBT inclusion. With 35% of LGBT staff unable to be open about their sexuality at work through fear of discrimination, the attitude towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in your workplace could be impacting wellbeing and performance.
LGBT inclusion workshops are training sessions aimed at improving understanding amongst all members of your team and nurturing a welcoming atmosphere. They can have a drastic impact on employee retention and workplace culture, leading to a higher financial turnover.
This LGBT History Month, organise an inclusion workshop to educate your employees and tackle workplace inequality head-on. Find out how in our article below.
What are LGBT inclusion workshops?
LGBT inclusion workshops are hands-on training sessions where employees can learn about the dos and don’ts of supporting their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender colleagues. They are led by an LGBT advocate and equality expert, who provides actionable strategies for improving inclusivity.
Often, such coaches are members of the LGBT community themselves, so can share their own experiences as part of the learning process. This allows them to relate to LGBT employees, and have a more profound impact on straight members of the team. From unconscious bias to the correct terminology and titles to use, inclusion training leads to a more understanding environment.
Why are LGBT inclusion workshops important for workplace equality & what do they achieve?
There are many benefits to hosting an LGBT inclusion workshop, and the impacts are visible long after the event has concluded. For both LGBT and heterosexual staff alike, the training empowers all to unite under a common goal – eradicate workplace discrimination.
Correct Terminology
One of the most important factors of inclusion in the workplace is using the correct terminology and not assuming someone’s gender or sexuality.
LGBT training teaches you the terms to avoid, due to their negative connotations and damaging impact on the community, and the phrases to favour. Such sessions will explore the inappropriate, repetitive questions often leveraged against LGBT professionals, which undermine their identity.
Retain Talented LGBT Employees
Organising inclusivity training sends a clear message to your LGBT employees – “I see you, and I support you”. It shows your staff that you will not tolerate discrimination and that you value diversity in the workplace.
If your LGBT employees feel pressured to hide their identity, they are likely to suffer from increased stress levels and even trauma. This can affect their productivity and performance, leading talented LGBT staff to leave your workplace for a more inclusive company. Retain your staff, by organising targeted training.
Encourage Workplace Cohesion
When a team works together, operating as a united force, incredible feats can be achieved. Including productivity and decision making, team cohesion often leads to a more united, driven workplace culture.
If your team are divided by their lack of understanding for one another, then their differences will hold them back. If they appreciate what makes them unique, they will become a force to be reckoned with.
LGBT inclusion training works directly with employees to forge strong friendships through acceptance and appreciation of LGBT experiences.
The Evidence:
- Inclusion Leads to Increase in Creativity, Innovation and Empowerment
- Diverse Management Results in Higher Profits
- Diverse Teams are Better Decision Makers
- Inclusive Companies Are 120% More Likely to Meet Their Financial Targets
- 67% of Job Seekers Value Diversity
(Sources: BCG, What To Become, Bonusly)
How to Organise an LGBT Inclusion Workshop
The most important feature of any inclusivity training workshop is the speaker or coach. Their passion, experiences and strategies for inclusion can make or break the experience for your employees, so make sure to do your research and invest in the best candidate for your business.
How to Book an LGBT Speaker:
- Step 1: Consider Your Requirements
- Step 2: Browse Our Category of LGBT Speakers
- Step 3: Contact a Booking Agency
It really is as easy as that. Champions Speakers will manage every step of the booking process, from initial contact to contracts and invoices, as well as event advice if needed. To the day of the event and beyond, we will offer professional support and guidance, to ensure that your inclusion training session leads to transformative results.
Book an LGBT Speaker
LGBT speakers are essential for workplace inclusion, as their personal experiences educate and empower audiences. To hire an inclusion trainer for your own workshop, contact Champions Speakers by phone, on 0207 1010 553, or via our online contact form. From there, a booking agent will supply a free quote.
