Log in
My Account
0 items
Get Help Now Volunteer Self Referral Donate Fundraise
  • Home
  • About us
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Trustees
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Complaints Policy
    • FAQs
  • Support for you
    • Social Support & 1-1 Support
      • Hertford
      • St Albans
      • Stevenage
      • Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield
    • Active Groups
    • Vocational Support
    • Talking Therapies
    • Drama for Wellbeing
    • Support Form
  • Mental Health Training
    • Building Stronger Communities
      • 2-Day Peer Supporter Training
    • Living Well Courses
      • Being Assertive Workshop
      • Managing Anxiety Course
      • Coping with Loss and Change Course
      • Developing Self-Compassion Course
      • Managing Depression Course
      • Healthy Living Workshop
      • Learning to Relax Workshop
      • Sleeping Well Workshop
      • Staying Calm Course
      • Getting Ready for the Workplace Course
      • Returning to Work Workshop
      • Staying Well at Work Course
    • Corporate Mental Health Training
      • Coronavirus & Wellbeing at Work
      • Managing Mental Health at Work
    • Mental Health Training for Schools
    • Courses & Workshops
      • Mental Health Awareness Course
    • Consultancy and Support
    • Spot the Signs and Save a Life Training
    • Mental Health Resources
  • Mindfulness
  • Get involved
    • Vacancies
    • Volunteering
  • Support us
    • Fundraise
      • Move for Mind
      • Corporate Fundraising
      • Individual & Team Fundraising
      • Organisational Fundraising
    • Donate
    • Charity Night at Abbey Theatre
  • News
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
Mind in Mid Herts

11 Hatfield Road
St Albans
AL1 3RR

03303 208100
[email protected]

Website Design © 2022 C27 Media Ltd

en English▼
X
ar Arabiczh-CN Chinese (Simplified)nl Dutchen Englishfr Frenchde Germanit Italianpt Portugueseru Russianes Spanish
03303 208100 [email protected]
Mini Cart 0

Your cart is empty.

Get Help Now Volunteer Self Referral Donate Fundraise
  • Home
  • About us
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Trustees
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Complaints Policy
    • FAQs
  • Support for you
    • Social Support & 1-1 Support
      • Hertford
      • St Albans
      • Stevenage
      • Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield
    • Active Groups
    • Vocational Support
    • Talking Therapies
    • Drama for Wellbeing
    • Support Form
  • Mental Health Training
    • Building Stronger Communities
      • 2-Day Peer Supporter Training
    • Living Well Courses
      • Being Assertive Workshop
      • Managing Anxiety Course
      • Coping with Loss and Change Course
      • Developing Self-Compassion Course
      • Managing Depression Course
      • Healthy Living Workshop
      • Learning to Relax Workshop
      • Sleeping Well Workshop
      • Staying Calm Course
      • Getting Ready for the Workplace Course
      • Returning to Work Workshop
      • Staying Well at Work Course
    • Corporate Mental Health Training
      • Coronavirus & Wellbeing at Work
      • Managing Mental Health at Work
    • Mental Health Training for Schools
    • Courses & Workshops
      • Mental Health Awareness Course
    • Consultancy and Support
    • Spot the Signs and Save a Life Training
    • Mental Health Resources
  • Mindfulness
  • Get involved
    • Vacancies
    • Volunteering
  • Support us
    • Fundraise
      • Move for Mind
      • Corporate Fundraising
      • Individual & Team Fundraising
      • Organisational Fundraising
    • Donate
    • Charity Night at Abbey Theatre
  • News
    • Blog
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Looking after our Sleep
  • 100km Cycle Challenge across the toughest climbs in Hertfordshire
  • Coping with Christmas
  • My Volunteering Story – Izzy
  • My Volunteering Story – Eve

Archive

  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • July 2019

Pride at Work – creating an inclusive work environment

June is Pride Month; a time of year where LGBTQI+ people and their allies march across the world in celebration and protest. This year will be a little different, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many gatherings will be cancelled. However, it is still vital that we take time to celebrate and see what change we can make in the world. A good place to start can be within our own communities and workplaces.

LGBTQI+ inclusion in the workplace is quickly becoming a priority for organisations across the UK. Studies are showing that having robust inclusion strategies in place makes sense from a business standpoint as well as a moral one. The study ‘LGBT 2020 – LGBT Diversity Show Me the Business Case’ found that the US economy could save 9 billion dollars every year if this issue is addressed effectively, not only are customers likely to boycott businesses where discrimination is made public but money can be saved as employees will feel safe, less stressed and more productive.

Between February and April 2017, 5,375 LGBTQI+ people across England, Scotland and Wales completed an online questionnaire about their life in Britain today. Decades on from the first Pride march this study revealed troubling discrimination happening in workplaces across the country.

 

Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those who identify as LGBTIQ+ are more likely to develop problems such as; low self-esteem, depression, social anxiety, self-harm and suicidal feelings. Being LGBTQI+ does not cause these problems but experiencing homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, stigma and discrimination, difficult experiences coming out, social isolation and rejection all impact on mental health and wellbeing.

 

While serving a customer at work I corrected them on pronouns and they laughed in my face and asked me if I had a penis and told me I was wrong. My supervisor witnessed the whole thing and told me not to be so dramatic about it.

 

As we can see many LGBTQI+ staff experience derogatory remarks from colleagues and customers, are physically assaulted, are actively excluded by their peers and denied work or promotion because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. There is clearly still much to be done to improve this in the workplace.

 

What can I do as an Employer?

 

Develop clear policies

Develop zero tolerance policies on homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic discrimination and harassment.

Actively communicate equality policies to all staff and ensure that the process for reporting concerns and bullying is clearly outlined.

 

Support staff through training

Implement diversity and inclusion training; this should include what anti-LGBT discrimination or abuse might look like, why it is bad for business and how to challenge anti-LGBT attitudes among colleagues.

Equip line managers with appropriate training and support to confidently take a zero-tolerance approach to all homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse in the workplace.

 

Improve Trans inclusion

Run awareness raising sessions for all employees on Trans inclusion, along with guidance about using pronouns and facilities.

Develop a policy to support Trans employees who are transitioning, including information on confidentiality, dress codes and using facilities, with related guidance for line managers.

 

Recruit and promote diverse candidates

Include statements and examples of your commitment to LGBTQI+ staff, equality and inclusion on your website. When advertising job roles, make sure that a commitment to diversity and inclusion in your workplace is clearly communicated.

Develop clear policies around recruitment and promotion. Train those recruiting to understand where discrimination against LGBTQI+ staff can occur in the recruitment process and how they can take steps to reduce bias.

 

Monitor staff diversity

Collect diversity data on the workforce across pay and grade to identify any areas of discrimination in career progression based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Collect diversity data in any exit process and ensure employees leaving the organisation have the space to raise LGBTQI+ related issues.

Staff involved in all diversity monitoring should have specific LGBTQI+ awareness training when collecting, analysing and reporting results.

Take time to assess the organisation’s progress on LGBTQI+ equality and commitment to improving the experiences of LGBTQI+ staff. (Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is a free benchmarking tool).

 

Support visible LGBTQI+ role models

Encourage and support the formation of an LGBTQI+ network group, so that LGBTQI+ employees have visible role models and peers. In smaller organisations employers should assist LGBTQI+ staff in joining an external network.

Support staff members who have multiple protected characteristics (for example, are both LGBTQI+ and black, Asian or minority ethnic) by facilitating collaboration between different network groups.

Support events like Pride and LGBT History Month and display LGBTQI+ friendly posters to show customers their business supports equality.

 

Support the wellbeing of the workforce

Ensure that wellbeing support for staff is available and widely published. Ensure that there is appropriate support for all staff; and signposting options to specific networks and groups that may be of interest.

 

 

What can I do in my organisation?

  • Work with businesses in your local community.
  • Let local business owners know if you witness an anti-LGBT incident from staff or customers so that they can tackle it.
  • Encourage your own employer to be LGBTQI+ inclusive.
  • Feedback to your employer if current policies are not LGBTQI+ inclusive.
  • Report any discrimination, harassment or abuse of LGBTQI+ staff in your workplace (from either customers or other members of staff) to your employer.
  • Work with others in your workplace to set up an LGBTQI+ network group if one does not already exist.
  • Join or work with your workplace’s trade union or staff consultative group and encourage them to provide feedback on LGBTQI+ inclusion to senior leaders.

 

Celebrating Pride, LGBT History Month, or Trans Day of Visibility can be a great opportunity to invite conversations and start to understand the experience of your LGBTQI+ workforce; it can be a first step to show your support to this community and communicate that you are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

If you are part of the LGBTQI+ community in Hertfordshire and would like support with your wellbeing or are looking to connect with others, you can join the Mind in Mid Herts LGBTQ+ peer support group by contacting: [email protected]

 

Statistics and recommendations are from the Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain – Work Report

Author: Nicholas
Posted on: 15th June 2020

Mindline Trans+ National Helpline

Mindline Trans+ is a confidential, emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, or non-binary. Find out more

Side by Side Online Chat
 

Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Find out more

Newsletter
 

Keep up to date by signing up to our newsletter
 
  Sign up to our newsletter

Latest Updates

Follow Mind in Mid Herts on your favourite social network

Facebook

Mind in Mid Herts

1 day ago

Mind in Mid Herts
Interested in working in mental health and want to join our team? To check out our current vacancies and download an application pack to apply visit our website: www.mindinmidherts.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/#hertfordshire #mentalhealth #employment #vacancies #recruitment #MIMH ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Mind in Mid Herts

2 days ago

Mind in Mid Herts
Timeline photos ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Mind in Mid Herts

3 days ago

Mind in Mid Herts
We are delighted to be running mindfulness-based stress reduction!This is an online eight-week evidence-based program; which offers mindfulness training to assist people with stress, anxiety and depression. This will be run by our qualified mindfulness practitioner.Places are £80 pp for the whole program including handbook. Requests for discounts can be addressed on a case by case basis.Spaces are limited so sign up now!www.mindinmidherts.org.uk/product/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-course/ ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Mind in Mid Herts

4 days ago

Mind in Mid Herts
If you are part of the LGBTIQ+ community in #hertfordshire and would like support with your wellbeing you can join our LGBTIQ+ peer support group! #pride22 Contact [email protected], or call 03303 208100 to find out more!📆 Last Tuesday of every month🕑 4-6pm📍 #stevenage#peersupport #wellbeing #mentalhealth #MIMH ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Mind in Mid Herts

7 days ago

Mind in Mid Herts
Timeline photos ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Twitter

Mind in Mid HertsFollow

We're Mind in Mid Herts. We will work to ensure the #mentalhealth of everyone in #Hertfordshire is supported and respected!

Avatar
AvatarMind in Mid Herts@MindInMidHerts_·
16h

Interested in working in mental health and want to join our team?

To check out our current #vacancies and download an application pack to apply visit our website: http://mindinmidherts.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/

#Hertfordshire #mentalhealth #employment #recruitment #mimh

Reply on Twitter 1542539020521164800Retweet on Twitter 1542539020521164800Like on Twitter 15425390205211648001Twitter 1542539020521164800
AvatarMind in Mid Herts@MindInMidHerts_·
28 Jun

We are delighted to be running an online eight week mindfulness-based stress reduction program!

Places are £80 pp for the program including handbook. Requests for discounts can be addressed on a case by case basis.

Spaces are limited so sign up now!
https://www.mindinmidherts.org.uk/product/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-course/

Reply on Twitter 1541753575914848257Retweet on Twitter 15417535759148482572Like on Twitter 15417535759148482573Twitter 1541753575914848257
Retweet on TwitterMind in Mid Herts Retweeted
AvatarSpot The Signs@SpotSignSuicide·
27 Jun

Would you know if someone was struggling with suicidal thoughts? If you're a volunteer or public sector worker we can help. Take positive action today and sign up - you may help save a life.

#suicideawareness #suicideprevention #mentalhealth

@MindInMidHerts_ @HertsMind

Reply on Twitter 1541322968680235011Retweet on Twitter 15413229686802350119Like on Twitter 15413229686802350118Twitter 1541322968680235011
AvatarMind in Mid Herts@MindInMidHerts_·
27 Jun

If you are part of the LGBTIQ+ community in #Hertfordshire and would like support with your #wellbeing you can join our LGBTIQ+ #peersupport group! #Pride22 #mentalhealth

Contact [email protected] or 03303 208100!

📆Last Tues of every month 🕑4-6pm 📍#Stevenage

Reply on Twitter 1541300385067016194Retweet on Twitter 15413003850670161945Like on Twitter 15413003850670161948Twitter 1541300385067016194
AvatarMind in Mid Herts@MindInMidHerts_·
24 Jun

Reply on Twitter 1540334437644308481Retweet on Twitter 1540334437644308481Like on Twitter 15403344376443084812Twitter 1540334437644308481
Load More...

Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Our Funders

Contact Us

Mind in Mid Herts

11 Hatfield Road
St Albans
AL1 3RR

03303 208100
[email protected]

Policies

  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Complaints Policy

Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Mind

© 2022 Mind in Mid Herts
Registered in England 04746078
Charity No. 1101678

Website Design © 2022 C27 Media Ltd

Mini Cart 0

Your cart is empty.