WIREDGOV

June brings Pride Month, a time of celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community, that also creates awareness of the prejudices the community faces.

More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden or disguised that they are LGBT at work for fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, discrimination and harassment does still occur in the workplace. For the tech sector to combat, employers must remain committed to their inclusivity agendas. There is no quick fix for inequality in the workplace, but some companies are making steps towards the right kind of progress.

A way to do this is by sharing best practice in terms of diversity and inclusion and have open conversations.

AtosPride has established a network to bring together and support all LGBTQ+ employees. The network is open to everyone, whether they identify as LGBT+ or not, to support Atos in becoming a truly LGBT+ inclusive workplace

Julia Atwater, Co-chair of AtosPride (B&PS Head of Communications) yesterday said

“One of my favourite things we have launched with the AtosPride community is a series of ‘AtosPride stories’. They are simple profiles of a diverse range of our LGBT+ employees and their allies that highlight some of our wonderful AtosPride role models across the globe. Our end goal is for Atos to be inclusive by default and give equal opportunity to everyone, no matter who you are and how you identify.”

To be an ally, companies must create a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion and one that is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. A diverse workforce brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives that are vital for organisations to thrive. In this sense, people need to stop thinking about diverse groups in isolation. Being inclusive means being inclusive of all.

In an industry built on innovation, it’s encouraging to see tech companies creating more open and safe work environments.

Read more about Pride at Accenture, BAE Systems, FDM Group, and the power of inclusive workplaces.

Is your company doing anything for Pride or are you getting involved? Let us know.