Inclusion of LGBTQ+ employees is essential and important, but many Danish workplaces have a long way to go to get there. Read here what you can do to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ people thrive.
There's good reason to focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion, rights and well-being in your workplace. A study shows that Danish workplaces have a long way to go to include LGBTQI+ employees. According to the survey, the majority of LGBTQ+ respondents experience discriminatory situations in the workplace. At the same time, 46% of respondents say they don't think their company does enough to promote the well-being and inclusion of LGBTQQ+ people.
All employees should feel accepted, respected and valued in the workplace - regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Why is LGBTQ+ inclusion important in the workplace?
Employees are a company's most important asset. Danish companies must therefore work to ensure a work climate that allows for differences and where all employees can thrive and feel respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This creates the greatest value for employees, the working climate and ultimately the company.
Danish Chamber of Commerce
When employees feel included and can be authentic and open about their identity, their wellbeing, engagement and psychological safety increase. Conversely, a lack of inclusion and discrimination can have negative consequences for employees' mental health and morale. It is the employer's duty and responsibility, according to the Working Environment Act, to safeguard all employees against harassment. This includes working to support a working climate where employees can safely go to work without experiencing harassment and discrimination.
A focus on inclusion based on a person's gender and/or sexual orientation is a workplace focus, although to some it may seem like a private matter. It should also be very much up to the individual to choose what they want to share in the workplace. But if companies want to create workplaces where everyone can feel accepted, respected and valued, no matter who they are, and reap the benefits of diversity and inclusion, then there is a need to take concrete steps to increase the inclusion of LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.
We've put together some concrete advice on what you can do to create inclusive workplaces where LGBTQ+ people thrive:
Six tips for creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ people:
1. concrete initiatives
Launch initiatives that counteract discrimination, unconscious biases and microaggressions. This includes educational opportunities to raise awareness and knowledge of DEI topics. Include LGBTQ+ employees in the development of the initiatives to ensure contextual relevance and ownership of efforts.
2. inclusive language
Focus on inclusive communication and language. Make sure to use gender-neutral language in policies and documents, and empower employees to enter their own pronouns in your systems.
For example, employees can state their preferred pronouns (personal pronouns like he/she/they/them). It's a small thing that can have a big impact on the experience of recognition. It promotes respect and inclusion of one's gender identity, creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen and respected.
3. Gender neutral facilities
Gender-neutral facilities are important because they create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity. They reduce the risk of discrimination and harassment, and promote equality by ensuring that everyone has access to appropriate and comfortable facilities. This supports well-being and respect in public and private spaces. For example, create gender-neutral restrooms and changing rooms so that all gender identities are welcome everywhere.
4. Equity perspective
Take anequity perspective by recognizing and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by different individuals instead of treating everyone the same. Avoid generalizations as they overlook individual differences and can lead to unfair treatment. This ensures a fairer and more inclusive approach where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Ask LBGTQ+ employees what they need. Remember that one person does not represent everyone.
5. Communities and networks
Create a foundation for inclusive coworking, networking and community among LGBTQ+ employees. Inclusive coworking and communities are important because they foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected, which increases collaboration and creativity. This contributes to higher employee satisfaction and engagement, which boosts overall company performance. It also reduces the risk of conflict and discrimination, creating a more harmonious workplace.
6. Zero tolerance policy and clear processes for handling abusive behavior
A zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory actions against LGBTQ+ employees is essential for creating a respectful and inclusive work culture, which increases employee morale and productivity and reduces staff turnover. This is not only an ethical responsibility, but also a protection against legal consequences for the company.
Want advice on how your company can become more inclusive of LGBTQ+ employees? Then contact us here:
Nikoline Nybo
Consultant
BA Anthropology and Chaos Pilot.
Experience in cultural analysis and anthropological methodology, project management and process design, organizational development and facilitation.
Louise Marie Genefke
Consultant
Cand. mag. Marketing & Communication, MA Management and External Lecturer AU.
Experience with management, talent and organizational development, facilitation and Employer Branding.
It was a good variation of theory and concrete practice, good examples of possible courses of action. It was provocative and challenging. Many felt seen and touched. Employees especially liked your engagement and energy, which made it easy to maintain attention, and one department manager said they would like to spend a whole day with you.
We have previously met many consultant types (no prejudice here 😉 ) with a high level of education who come here to teach employees and talk down to them professionally. You lifted us up, thank you for that.
- Anna Mayland Bengtsson, Senior Consultant
Throughout the process, Louise Marie and Nikoline were great at capturing the thoughts and ideas we came up with. Throughout the entire process, they were responsive to any adjustments - regardless of what strange ideas we came up with - and always managed to incorporate them into the project. Our experience of Louise Marie and Nikoline's professionalism - they know what they are talking about and are 100% in control of their professionalism and the project's goals. Nikoline and Louise Marie have a wonderful "down to earth" approach to communicating the results of the project - and a good didactic understanding of the target group to be presented and communicated to. The participants at the project presentation were enthusiastic about Nikoline and Louise Marie's professionalism and their clear answers.
- Erik Jensen, Education Consultant, Det Faglige Fællesudvalg (DFFU)
I have to honestly say that Louise Marie and Nikoline exceeded my expectations. They entered the room and the conversation about privilege, microaggressions and unconscious bias (which can be difficult) with a straightforwardness and ease that had the whole room engaged. It was clear that they have a high level of professionalism because they were able to communicate difficult concepts in a very simple way - which you can only do when it is based on a deep understanding. The points were made present and the messages understandable. As a listener, you got the feeling that they were very present and that their personality shone through. It made you want to listen - and act - on their recommendations. Their approach, presence and humor were disarming even for the critics in the room.
- Victoria Nall Kruse Vanter, Senior Strategy & Sustainability Consultant
The cooperation with Louise Marie and Nikoline has been very good. There has been a good dialogue prior to the process, where they were not only patient with us, but also good at guiding us in the right direction in relation to the many possibilities for cooperation. There was a great understanding of our project regarding a kick-off on our D&I project. Both Louise Marie and Nikoline sought to address staff questions on possible actions and solutions, with a message that words and iterations are also actions. It is clear that they are very competent and have a huge professionalism in their field. Louise Marie and Nikoline are strong communicators.
- Josefine Jarlmann, HR Specialist, Bird & Bird
Nikoline Nybo was incredibly professional and inclusive in her approach and managed to activate participants and create a space for reflection in moments that were otherwise characterised by one-way communication. Nikoline was caring and attentive in her way of dealing with both the audience and the speakers on stage and managed to create a pleasant atmosphere with room for laughter, reflection and curiosity. In a meaningful and balanced way, she brought herself and her knowledge into play, both on stage and in the run-up to. In the collaboration Nikoline was incredibly professional, listening and well prepared.
- Helena Maria Jappa Stolt, Communications Coordinator, DCI
Louise and Nikoline delivered a high quality, content packed three days learning experiences that kept us all enrapt and engaged. We all left with a deeper understanding of the topic of DE&I and how to bring it into our work, a better way to communicate between us and with the people we engage with. This was made possible by their knowledge of the topic, but also their facilitation style, their presence and earnestness.
- Student Team 27, Kaospilot
Louise Marie Genefke visited us in the Network of Owner Managers with a very competent presentation, which besides giving us knowledge about diversity and inclusion also challenged us on our own blind spots, preconceptions and biases. Louise Marie is able to get up close and personal, while remaining very respectful of the participants' worldview. This has led the group to a more nuanced understanding of the benefits of working with diversity and inclusion.
- Lene Ørnstrøm, Network Manager
The workshop we had with Nikoline and Louise Marie from Inclusify exceeded my expectations. I had high wishes for the workshop, and I was not let down. It was wonderful to witness the way they facilitate together, creating a room with honestly, trust and respect. I felt that I could ask any question without being judged. They complemented each other really well and the way they shared the speaking parts made me feel really engaged. It is also very helpful to have two so different women talk about the topic of DE&I as I felt that I got a broader understanding through their different personal experiences.
- Federico Bortoletto, Team Leader Kaospilot
The collaboration with Nikoline and Louise Marie worked very well and it was clear from the beginning that they have a great passion and expertise within their field. They are both extremely energetic about the Diversity & Inclusion agenda and they took the time to listen to our point of departure for working with this agenda. They are thorough in their work and come with great professionalism, experience and impact.
I was amazed by their vast knowledge of the topic and still it did not make me feel scared or less in my knowledge, but rather it made me want to learn more about DE&I myself. The flexibility they brought to us was another wonderful aspect that I took away from their workshop. Taking our reflections into consideration at the end of the day, and making immediate adjustments made me feel seen and heard and improved the workshop even more. I left the three days with the urge to learn more, to do more and become an active part in making a change. It also directly influenced our group work as we created a role for a person responsible of DE&I in our project.
- Student Team 27, Kaospilot
The dialogue prior to the webinar was carried by valuable sparring on both content and framework, and in the presentation itself Louise Marie really shone through, even though she was not physically present in the room. Participants in the webinar found the presentation insightful and informative, and in the subsequent evaluation several also expressed a strong desire to hear more about the work in a longer format.
I have been extremely satisfied with the cooperation with Louise Marie and Nikoline. They have shown a professionalism and responsiveness that has made me feel in very safe hands from the very beginning. These are two people with very good communication skills and an ability to make people in the room feel comfortable. Wherever we have been in the process, I have not been worried about asking stupid questions, which is impressive given the subject of diversity and inclusion is so wide-ranging and can be challenging. We've taken significant steps forward in terms of getting smarter about our work on diversity and inclusion and what actions we'll prioritize thanks to working with Inclusify.
"Having recruited people for jobs for the last 20 years, I thought I knew 'most of it', but I've been surprised at how much Louise Marie and Nikoline's work and input meant to the process. It's clearly because of their strong professional skills."
You can sense right away that Louise Marie and Nikoline know a lot about their field and have a great passion, but at the same time they are very listening and open to what you need and what the purpose of the individual event/workshop is and adapt accordingly. It gives a good sparring to get your wishes concretized and see new perspectives on what you can and should do for an event / event.
Both Nikoline and Louise Marie are very outgoing and likeable, and best of all they made sure that it was a safe space to voice ones concerns and issues. They came to the workshop with such great energy, they were very structured and they ensured that the process went well and that the end-product was usable. They have our warmest recommendations.
We must engage in open and honest conversations even if it's uncomfortable, nuanced and concerns 'emotions' and 'individual experience'. We saw huge value in this and want to personally thank you for facilitating such difficult conversations.
Louise Marie and Nikoline are really good facilitators, who are both present and personal. There is no doubt that they both have enormous knowledge in their field and they managed to pass on a large part of it without either wrapping it up in theoretical jargon or talking down to the participants. They opened up new perspectives and left participants with an awareness of where and how gender matters in their working lives - and the desire to do something about it.
- Sara Ezban Grützmeier, Trade union consultant, HK