Respect for All People in the IT Industry, Especially Those Who Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and 2 or More of Any Gender

Pride Month, taking place in June, is a time for the world to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQIAS2+ community in their pursuit of equal rights, and to acknowledge their ongoing fight for civil liberties.

The technology industry has a reputation for being fast-paced and constantly evolving, drawing professionals from all corners of the world and promoting consistent and sustainable growth. However, despite the expanding number of technologists who identify with the LGBTQIAS2+ community, not all of them feel accepted. This is where allyship comes into play – creating a tech community that welcomes and embraces everyone. At Works, we strive to be an inclusive space for all.

According to a 2022 survey, 40% of LGBTQ+ employees working in IT companies have either witnessed or experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

A research carried out by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has discovered that approximately 33% of individuals who identify with the LGBTQIAS2+ community refrain from pursuing STEM fields like engineering, science and technology due to concerns about being subjected to discrimination and harassment.

The study revealed that one-third of gay engineers who participated in the survey acknowledged that their sexual orientation had impeded their career advancement, while more than half of LGBTQIAS2+ technologists had experienced homophobic jokes in their workplace.

Even when made in jest, jokes can contribute to a hostile environment and prevent individuals from speaking up even if there was no harmful intent. To ensure that all IT professionals, especially those who identify with LGBTAQIAS2+ and their supporters, feel valued and secure in their workplaces, certain measures can be taken at a local level.

Businesses can enjoy various advantages from having a more diverse workforce in terms of having greater access to skilled IT professionals, improved employee satisfaction and higher productivity levels.

Several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are working towards strengthening policies and practices that support LGBTQIAS2+ employees. Established tech giants like Google, Apple and Microsoft have implemented inclusive Employee Resource Groups, whereas entities like Lesbians Who Tech and the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technology Professionals offer valuable resources to drive progress in this industry.

The support of individuals and groups with similar mindsets is gaining increasing importance.

In their most recent survey, Deloitte gathered data from 600 participants who identify with the LGBTQIAS2+ community hailing from various industries and locations worldwide.

To gain deeper insights into the everyday workplace struggles of LGBT+ individuals across different countries, this study seeks to explore their personal accounts. Additionally, it aims to examine the positive initiatives enacted by corporations and how they can be further enhanced.

The study yielded various interesting discoveries that demonstrate how corporations and members of the community can collaborate.

Allies play a pivotal role in enabling individuals to feel at ease while embracing their true identities.

According to the survey, 82% of LGBT+ participants expressed that they feel more secure revealing their sexual orientation to their colleagues when they have the support of allies.

The implementation of resource groups is pivotal.

Based on a study, 42% of participants expressed that they felt most secure in a professional environment when their employer offered financial or other types of assistance to an employee resource group.

Speak up against any unethical behaviour.

As per the survey results, 40% of participants appreciate when allies take a stand against any non-inclusive actions they come across.

As part of its #WorksPride365 program, Works is thrilled to be a multinational corporation that recognizes and honours the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQIAS2+ community to the tech industry.

At XYZ, we are dedicated to providing support to those who require it, as we understand the importance of investing in our community. Moreover, a recent study conducted by Deloitte underscored the significance of such assistance, revealing that 73% of workers believe that visible support from management results in a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

In the past few years, the information technology sector has demonstrated substantial growth in recruiting and keeping members of the LGBTQIAS2+ community. Nonetheless, we must all do our part to support those in need, advocate for equal treatment, and foster a welcoming environment by collaborating.

Hello, and wishing you a fantastic Pride Month celebration!

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