The majority (92%) of LGBTQ+ employees believe there are barriers preventing them from reaching senior roles, according to new data released by diversity and inclusion consultancy INvolve.
The research found that almost two-thirds (62%) of LGBTQ+ employees believe they will have to ‘code-switch’ – in other words, tone down their LGBTQ+ identity and act ‘straight’ – to progress in their career. This figure increases significantly for trans individuals (85%) and lesbian women (68%). Furthermore, those working in the construction (92%) and finance (70%) industries are far more likely to think they will have to code-switch to get ahead. Just 40% of all LGBT+ employees polled are open about their identity with everybody at work.
Additionally, 42% say a lack of senior LGBTQ+ role models in their industry is hindering their progression to management positions. A third (30%) say senior management are more likely to promote non-LGBTQ+ employees who have more in common with them, and over a quarter (28%) say they have been actively discriminated against by senior leaders when deciding promotions. Another one in five (19%) have been prevented from interacting with clients due to company concerns about reactions to their LGBT+ identity.
LGBTQ+ PAY GAP
The research also found that half of all employees surveyed (49%) believe their company has an LGBTQ+ pay gap. This is significantly higher among those working in construction (62%), finance (59%) and IT (67%), demonstrating that certain industries still have a long way to go in becoming more inclusive.
“It’s disappointing, to say the least, to see that LGBTQ+ people are still being held back from reaching their potential and progressing to the most senior levels in business. Ultimately, we all want, and deserve, to see ourselves meaningfully represented in aspirational career positions,” shared Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder and CEO of Involve.
OUTSTANDING ROLE MODELS
The research coincides with Involve’s annual Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists showcasing global business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees.
With 23 countries represented this year, the global nature of the Outstanding lists reflects the myriad of lived-experiences, unique stories and provides a compelling intersectional insight into global LGBTQ+ communities. Overall, 18% of the Role Models on this year’s lists are from countries outside of Europe and North America.
SMASHING BARRIERS
“Our Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists celebrate role models in business who are smashing barriers to progress that can prevent global LGBTQ+ communities from succeeding and are creating businesses where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves,” added Sandhu. “With the recent rise in hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community across the world, it’s never been more important to celebrate and learn from those who are driving real change.”
Ken Ohashi, CEO at Brooks Brothers, is number one on this year’s global Outstanding LGBT+ Executives Role Model List. “I feel honoured to be included on a list with so many accomplished leaders, many of whom I consider role models myself. There are so many young people who struggle for acceptance or have circumstances or challenges that they must overcome,” he commented. I hope that having visible LGBTQ+ leaders can both inspire and reassure those just beginning to make their way in the world that their potential is limitless.”
CELEBRATING UNIQUE VOICES
Travis Torrance, Global Litigation Bankruptcy & Credit Team Lead at Shell USA, Inc. is named at number one in the Outstanding LGBT+ Future Leaders List. “Sharing the success stories of LGBTQ+ business leaders has never been more important. I firmly believe that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see.’,” stated Travis. “In other words, visibility matters and provides a roadmap for the next generation of leaders. We must do everything we can to affirm the identities of LGBTQ+ professionals, celebrate our unique voices, and kickstart important societal and commercial conversations.”
“Although we don’t do this work for recognition, being included as one of the Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Models makes me feel seen by society-at-large and the business community as opposed to being rendered invisible, which, unfortunately, has been the case for so many LGBTQ+ professionals. It means the world to me to be fêted along with such a dynamic cohort of leaders and to share best practices that will move the needle in our respective organisations.”
INCLUSION FOR ALL
Jen Tippin, Chief People & Transformation Officer at NatWest Group, is named at number one in the Outstanding Ally Executives List. “I’m absolutely delighted to be recognised as an Ally Executive Role Model. My work to support the LGBT+ community is inspired by my passion to ensure inclusion for all, and I am humbled to work on helping everyone to be themselves and to realise their potential. This recognition is testament to the work many colleagues, including our Rainbow network co-chairs, have collaborated on,” said Tippin.
“Role models play a huge part in helping colleagues bring their authentic selves to work. We spend so much of our time at work and the impact of being ourselves cannot be underestimated. We want to have a truly open and diverse culture with acceptance for all, without exception – and by attracting and retaining diverse and talented people to work here, we’ll create better experiences for all our customers.”
Click here for the full list of this year’s role models. For more information on last year’s winners click here.
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