The Atlas team kicked off Pride Month discussing the Future of Pride and earlier this week hosted a session by Alejandro Briceno from myGwork.
The online talk focused on the importance of allyship, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, emphasizing that these values should be upheld not just during Pride Month, but all year round.
About myGwork
MyGwork is a global recruitment and networking hub for LGBTQ+ professionals. By offering mentorship, job opportunities, and a supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, myGwork aims to create inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Importance of Inclusivity and Allyship
The session highlighted that inclusivity is not just a corporate trend but a fundamental aspect of creating a supportive work environment.
Compelling statistics revealed that more than one-third of LGBTQ+ staff have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. This underscores the critical need for inclusive workplaces where individuals can be their authentic selves without fear.
Challenges and Triumphs in the Workplace
The discussion addressed the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in professional settings, such as the "corporate closet". This is the situation where many people from the LGBTQ+ community feel the need to hide their identities at work, despite being open in their personal lives, due to fears of discrimination or bias, which can severely impact mental health and job satisfaction.
To tackle the issues, the importance of supportive and inclusive work environments for the well-being of all employees was emphasized.
Some Examples of Effective Allyship
Examples of effective allyship were discussed, including leaders that actively promote inclusive policies and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees. Effective allyship involves continuous learning and advocacy, demonstrating the positive impact of committed allies.
The session also highlighted how inclusivity can benefit companies. Virgin Atlantic's decision to end gendered uniforms led to a significant increase in job applications, for example — a great illustration of how embracing diversity and inclusion can attract a broader talent pool and create a more vibrant and innovative workforce.
Pride Month: Main Session Takeaways
The session concluded with a powerful message: being part of the LGBTQ+ community is about being recognized and valued for who you are. Companies should make sure to go beyond token gestures and implement genuine, ongoing support for diversity and inclusion. Companies should encourage their teams to work with pride, advocate for inclusivity, and support each other in creating a more inclusive and accepting world.
Priorities for organizations that want to enact real change include:
Embrace Diversity Year-Round: Inclusivity should be a continuous effort, not limited to Pride Month.
Supportive Work Environment: Create a workplace where employees can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.
Effective Allyship: Promote inclusive policies, provide continuous learning opportunities, and actively support LGBTQ+ employees.
Corporate Inclusivity Benefits: Embracing diversity and inclusion attracts a broader talent pool and fosters innovation.
Genuine Commitment: Go beyond token gestures and implement genuine, ongoing support for diversity and inclusion.
Atlas' Pride Month kickoff with myGwork was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of the ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and allyship of our company, but a reminder that creating inclusive workplaces is a continuous journey that benefits everyone.