More and more big businesses are providing workplace protections for LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) people. It’s becoming clear that when workers can bring their authentic selves to work, they are more productive and engaged. Research shows that coming out increases job satisfaction, intention to stay, and emotional support from co-workers, whereas staying “in the closet” has costs — both for the individual and the company.
7 Myths About Coming Out at Work
Myth #5: Coming out at work happens just once.
October 19, 2018
Summary.
More and more big businesses are providing workplace protections for LGBTIQ+ people, because they recognize that people are more productive and engaged when they can bring their authentic selves to work. Yet many people are still reluctant to come out at work. A recent study surveyed 1614 LGBTIQ+ Australian workers and found that 68% of respondents are not out to everyone at work. Other studies show that this number decreases to 46% in the US and 35% in the UK. The researchers dig below the surface to examine the experience of LGBTIQ+ people at work, challenge myths that are drawn from common assumptions about coming out, and offer suggestions to organizations that want to help their workers feel safe being themselves.
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New!
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.