Benevity’s Post

The technology industry has made great strides with fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces, however there is still more to be done - especially for the LGBTQ+ community. “LGBTQ+ leaders are few and far between in the industry,” says our Account Manager, Nick Hall, in the latest issue of Capacity Media. “By letting LGBTQ+ visibility fall by the wayside, companies are at risk of seeming ignorant to the needs of a whole pool of talent.” Read Nick's full article below 💻, and find what more can be done to ensure that we uplift our LGBTQ+ colleagues, be active allies and create safe spaces 🏳️🌈 https://lnkd.in/eWP2cVnb #DiversityInTech #LGBTQplusLeaders #InclusiveWorkplaces #InclusionMatters #YouCantBeWhatYouCantSee

Love these insightful tips from my friend Damon Maassen, CPTD to ensure our Pride month activities are authentic and have lasting impact for LGBTQ+ inclusion all year long. Have a read in the link below!

🔔 I’m beyond proud to share this fabulous blog post written by my incredible colleague Damon Maassen, CPTD– “Moving Beyond Rainbows: Planning for LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Year-Round Inclusion.”  A lot of recent media pieces about the current state of the DEI industry have advanced overly simplistic takes that fail to acknowledge what we see on the ground every day in our work with clients. While the legal and political landscape has indeed shifted, so too have the workforce’s explicit expectations for safety and support for LBGTQ+ team members, especially given an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and generational shifts in the labor market. In 2022, 7.6% of the adult population identified as LGBTQ+, representing more than double the rate in 2012*. A main catalyst for this societal change can be attributed to Gen Z. 28% of all Gen Zers report being members of the LGBTQ+ population, and Gen Zers are expected to constitute nearly ⅓ of the labor force by the end of the 2020s.** A similar percentage of LGBTQ+ employees have left their employers because of a lack of support for their sexual and/or gender identity.** So what’s the solution? Damon offers some actionable tips for employers to uplift and amplify LGBTQ+ teammates year-round, through both behavioral and structural initiatives. Behavioral initiatives focus on how team members in an organization interact with and learn from, one another. Structural initiatives involve transforming processes, systems, and tools. A few of my favorite recommendations from his piece include: ❇ Historical Recognition: Take the time to educate employees and stakeholders about the historical milestones, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Incorporate historical context into Pride Month programming, including discussions, documentaries, guest speakers, or educational resources highlighting key moments in LGBTQ+ history. ❇ Honor LGBTQ+ Trailblazers: Recognize and honor LGBTQ+ trailblazers, leaders, activists, and advocates who have made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Host awards ceremonies, panel discussions, or virtual tributes to celebrate their impact and legacy. ❇ Engage in Advocacy: Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality both internally and externally. Stay informed about legislative developments impacting the LGBTQ+ community and actively support initiatives that promote inclusivity and social justice. ❇ Review Policies and Benefits: Evaluate company policies, benefits, and practices to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ employees. This includes non-discrimination policies, gender-neutral language, healthcare coverage for transgender individuals, and family leave policies that recognize diverse family structures. Check out the full post below! Sources: *Gallop News (2024): “LGBTQ+ Identification in the US” **Ten Thousand Coffees  (2024): “The State of LGBTQ+ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace in 2024”

The LGBTQ+ community faces several challenges everyday, including discrimination in the workplace. Here are some things you can do to promote inclusivity in the workplace, and why providing support for your LGBTQ+ employees is also a good business move. #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #workplace #inclusivity https://lnkd.in/ghgSVBE2

As we celebrate Pride Month, companies need to go beyond rainbow logos and embrace actions to support the LGBTQ+ community all year round. It's about fostering a culture of inclusion and respect every single day: - Educate and Raise Awareness (but also be humble and curious to listen to people in the community and learn from their experiences) - Implement Inclusive Policies and support ERGs - Create a safe space and foster an inclusive culture - Partner with nonprofits supporting LGBTQ+ rights - Ensure Inclusive Marketing for powerful representation - Prioritize Mental Health support and stigma-free environments -Celebrate diversity all year round, highlighting stories and contributions of LGBTQ+ employees. So don't be shy and connect with organizations and support groups dedicated to building a society where everyone can live authentic and fulfilling lives. Let’s commit to making meaningful changes that support our LGBTQ+ colleagues, customers, and communities. 🌈 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #Inclusion

As we move past Pride Month and into July, it's important to remember that celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community should be a year-round commitment, not just a 30-day event. Companies can and should take continuous actions to promote inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 Here are a few impactful steps companies can take throughout the year: 1. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Donate to LGBTQ+ organizations and support internal Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). 2. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure that your policies and work culture actively promote diversity and inclusion for all employees. 3. Invest in Education: Provide ongoing education for leadership and employees to foster a safe and inclusive working environment. 4. Combat Misinformation: Many frustrations over LGBTQ+ rights stem from misinformation. It's vital to combat this with education and perspective. By taking these steps, companies can create a supportive and inclusive environment that extends far beyond Pride Month. Let's continue to advocate for equality and inclusion every day! #Pride365 #LGBTQSupport #Inclusion #Diversity #WorkplaceEquality

As June is Pride month, we have reflected on our principles of inclusive prosperity and impactful change. While we are not experts in the LGBTQ+ space, we use our fundamental principles to guide our work in what it means to create inclusive, equal and safe spaces for all marginalised and vulnerable groups.   This goes beyond changing the colours of the company logo for a month or decorating the shop floor. To create impactful change and inclusive prosperity, businesses should: > Make a public statement and commitment to creating inclusive spaces > Ensure you have inclusive policies and support channels for staff and customers > Engage with staff and customers to listen and learn about experiences, challenges and ideas for change > Be transparent about the change you make, share progress and learnings as well as celebrating success > Create partnerships with LGBTQ+ organisations to inform and guide your work and provide funding to the organisations. #pride #inclusivity #inclusivebusiness #LGBTQ+

Nominated your Role Models for our 2024 Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube yet? These Lists celebrate the impactful and innovative work being done by global LGBTQ+ Executives, LGBTQ+ Future Leaders and Advocates who are leading transformative initiatives to make workplaces more inclusive for LGBTQ+ employees. LGBTQ+ inclusion is critical and we must all put in the work to dismantle barriers to progression, eradicate biases and discrimination and ensure LGBTQ+ employees can thrive authentically. The Role Models in our Lists provide much needed inspiration and motivation to make that a reality and are doing incredible work to lead the charge for change. Take a look at last year's Lists here: https://lnkd.in/emrRmCJd Send in your nominations for the Lists now: https://lnkd.in/eariNtun #OUTRoleModels24 #DEI #Diversityandinclusion #LGBTQInclusion #RoleModels #Allyship #Advocacy #LGBTQPlus #LGBTBiz #GlobalBusiness #BusinessDevelopment

Less than 2 weeks until Manchester Pride! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍 Pride events are about human rights, empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to reclaim the rights and freedoms they are denied, and the public space they often feel excluded from. To be an LGBT ally is easy. If you agree in equality and fair treatment in society of people who identify as LGBTQ+ then already you are an ally. Additional steps you can take; 1. Talk Openly Read up on LGBTQI+ issues and debates, laws, rights, celebrations 2. Familiarize yourself with the language Teach yourself the right language to use when talking with LGBTQ+ people 3. Educate yourself on the history of LGBTQ+ activism It’s important to appreciate how far we have come in the struggle for equality but also to fully understand how far we have left to go 4. Get involved in the community and show your support Your presence at events is a significant show of solidarity and support to let the LGBTQ+ community know that you stand with them 5. Stand up for what you believe in Sometimes standing up against discrimination can be an intimidating experience but the important thing is to let your voice be heard. Although it’s not always easy, these are situations where being an ally really counts At Hilti we have the LGBTQ+ OwnIt group, who work to ensure that we are constantly a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone in the community. If you would like to be involved or want anymore information please reach out to myself or the team lead Robin Turley. Hilti Great Britain #diversityandinclusion #lgbtqcommunity #pride2023 #manchesterpride

🏳️🌈 Celebrating PRIDE Month 🏳️🌈 We are excited to kick off Pride Month and celebrate this vital community. This month is a special time to recognize and honor the contributions of our LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends and family, and to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Allyship is key in creating an inclusive environment. Here are five ways you can be a supportive ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Visit the Human Rights Campaign to learn more. 🔴 Listen: Take the time to listen to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and learn from their stories -- understanding different perspectives is the first step toward genuine allyship.+ 🔶 Speak: When you witness discrimination or prejudice, speak out. Your voice can help create a safer, more accepting environment for everyone. ⭐ Educate: Continuously educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues and share this knowledge with those around you to help drive meaningful change. 🔷 Support: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and provide resources to the community. 💜 Celebrate: Highlight and celebrate the achievements and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals to inspire and uplift the community. Together, we make a difference. Let's use this month to strengthen our commitment to inclusion and belonging. #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #Inclusion #Diversity #Allyship #CelebrateDiversity #Pride2024