LGBT inclusion needs actions, not just words
Many businesses are working to ensure inclusion for the LGBT community within the workplace, but a senior Manchester lawyer warns there is still some way to go.
Barry Harwood, deputy director of DWF Advocacy, said same sex relationships are still criminalised in more than 70 countries, meaning that in more than half the world LGBT people may not be protected by workplace law.
With Manchester’s Pride weekend beginning today – from August 24 to August 27 – he said it is important to remind employers of the value a fully-inclusive workplace can bring to their businesses.
Mr Harwood, who is also a senior champion for LGBT rights with campaign group Stonewall, said: “It’s important to note that, despite many businesses putting policies in place to reduce specific stereotypes towards LGBT people, there is still a long way to go.
“Many Manchester businesses have evolved their approach to inclusion to ensure they’re not only present in their policies, but visible in practice, something many view as critical to safeguard business’s values and culture, as well as a sustainable competitive advantage.
“Inclusion and diversity and being able to bring your whole ‘self’ to work defeats stereotyping in the workplace, a combination of visible role models and fellow colleagues who are allies of the whole LGBT community provide a healthy inclusive work environment for all.
“This, in turn, assists the business in terms of profitability, motivation, recruitment and retention of staff,” he said
And he urged workplaces to implement measures to avoid stereotyping of any kind, such as actively growing their LGBT network, supported by allies who can ensure LGBT colleagues feel included and can be themselves at work.
He said: “This adds value to a business and improves the whole workplace in terms of employee relations, including external and internal messages. The avoidance of all stereotyping should be top of every successful employer’s list to secure continued success.”
He believes that if a business can truly believe that it provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for its entire workforce and regularly communicates its commitment to LGBT inclusion, then it can continue to reduce stereotypes and encourage change across the region.
Law firm DWF will take part in Manchester Pride this weekend as a visible show of support to its own, and Manchester’s LGBT community.
The firm has been recognised by Stonewall as a top performing business on LGBT inclusion and was ranked 36th in the Top 100 employers list in 2017.
This year, the business was chosen to be a mentor in an innovative pilot that has been launched by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and Stonewall, to develop LGBT inclusivity in small and medium-sized law firms.
