Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month
The situation across the UK over the past year has been challenging for many of us, and it is more important than ever to make sure we are looking after our mental and physical health. However, the sad truth is that the LGBT+ community is at higher risk of poor mental health and are more likely to experience a range of problems such as depression, stress and anxiety, as they are at a disproportionate risk of workplace discrimination. In fact, despite the majority of us working from home, the challenges faced by those in the LGBT+ community have not disappeared, and we must not put them on the backburner.
The pandemic has made us all think about our welfare and wellbeing in new ways, but it’s vital we support one another and provide a safe space. Companies must be proactive in putting the right structures and initiatives in place, be that by incorporating diversity and inclusion into annual performance reviews, or by implementing inclusive staff policies, benefits and networks. At State Street, we have LGBT+ inclusive management training, a Transitioning at Work policy, global PRIDE and Friends employee networks, and a Global Ally Programme to help foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their entire, authentic selves to work.
Our networks often work together to broaden their reach and help raise awareness, educate staff, and provide crucial support. For example, to mark LGBT+ History Month at State Street, we launched an LGBT+ History Month Calendar Challenge for all employees. It is a collaborative effort between our employee networks including UK PRIDE, our mental health employee network SHINE and our corporate BeWell programme, which has seen a different challenge each day focused on wellbeing or LGBT+ awareness. We believe that LGBT+ initiatives and events such as these encourage positive changes that extend far beyond the events themselves. Once LGBT+ practices have been established and promoted, they can inspire the establishment of others elsewhere, supporting the LGBT+ community at large.
These actions have never been more important as an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce makes us stronger and more successful. That’s why we make it a priority to ensure that all of our employees across the globe feel that their identities and experiences are represented, embraced and celebrated. By educating, inspiring and empowering our employees at every level of the business, we cultivate a global force of leaders that reflects the diverse markets we serve.
However, collaboration is key to success and in a world where the majority of LGBT+ people are not protected from discrimination by workplace law, multinational businesses who have the footprint, resources and power needed to evoke global change must come together and do what they can to set the workplace agenda and beyond. After all, when we drive inclusive values and behaviours in our workplace culture, ensure our workplaces are representative of the communities we serve, take a stand on bigger societal issues, and take our whole selves to work every day, we can cultivate real change for our society. It’s not enough to lead the way, we must build it together!
