LGBT people put their effort to hide their personality when at work, because in multiple cases they are discriminated because of who they are. But the present work industry should not discriminate employees, they should be supported to feel confident, because they are professionals in their field. More and more people are accepting the LGBT community, but there are also times when people are not willing to accept them, and this even leads to cases of violence. However, it is important everyone to remember that the LGBT community has the same rights as you do and if you are running a business, it is your role to change the workplace atmosphere in such a way to make them feel integrated and safe. Here are the main challenges the LGBT community is facing at the workplace.
Their health insurance do not cover the same-sex partners
This is one of the main challenges, the LGBT community faces, because the majority of companies offer health insurance for the employees’ partners as long as they are the opposite sex. But when it comes to the same-sex partners the health insurance options are limited. Nevertheless, you as the manager of the company have the possibility to create a landscape that offers health insurance to employees’ partners even if they are the same sex. It is your role to review the health insurance plans for your employees. In case you create the healthcare insurance to offer services to employees’ partners, but they face difficulties from the healthcare organisations’ part, then you should advise them to get legal support. If you click here, you find all the information you need to offer them.
The leave policy do not cover LGBT employees equally with the other employees
When it comes to adopting or giving birth to a baby, the parents have the right to opt for childcare leave. But the LGBT community still faces challenges when they have to receive their leave being it medical or for childcare, because the periods differ from the ones received by the traditional families. There are made efforts for this not to happen anymore, but if you notice that in your region the laws make discriminations, you have the right to offer your employees equally leave. When you design the type of leave the employees can benefit of, make sure to specify that it is valid for same-sex partners, adopted children, and even foster children.
Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation
Harassment or workplace discrimination has multiple forms. There are times when the employees are harassed verbally, but there are also times when they get physical against each other. In the majority of cases, the atmosphere you create tells people if they are allowed to discriminate the LGBT employees. All employees should have the same chances when it comes to promotion, hiring and payment. It is your role to design a strong company policy that does not allow harassment behaviours and that prevents employees to discriminate other employees. It you notice that there are situations where hate speech is implied or people are getting involved into hurtful actions you should show them that this is not tolerable in your company.
