Lesbian and gay workers are more productive in an environment where they can be themselves, research has found.
Nearly all participants in the study conducted by gay-equality charity Stonewall reported a positive link between the climate in their workplace and their productivity and performance.
Interviewees identified that inclusive policies, employee network groups, senior lesbian and gay role models and expressions of commitment to lesbian and gay employees from senior leaders are all ways that significantly encourage gay staff to perform better because they can be themselves.
More than 100 in-depth interviews were carried out with lesbian, gay and bisexual people from 21 public and private sector companies in the research.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said: “Lesbian and gay respondents who feel able to be out at work, and well supported by their employers, reported that they are significantly more effective, more motivated and built better working relationships with colleagues. This is a powerful lesson for employers across Britain.”
But most participants in the research firmly declined to identify their own workplace in the report. Summerskill added: ‘This is stark evidence that lesbian and gay staff still don’t feel comfortable enough in their working environment.”
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, promoting good practice around sexual orientation in the workplace, is soon to announce its 400 member. The largest diversity forum in Britain, its members now employ more than four million people between them.