Forbes: companies need to advocate for LGBTQ+ year round.

Pride Month, celebrated every June, gives the community an opportunity to recognize and empower members from the LGBTQ+ community. But those efforts must continue year round to be truly impactful, especially as anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment grows with the introduction of discriminatory legislation in the United States, such as Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. 

“This is a disturbing development for all supporters of human rights,” writes Rebecca Henderson, executive board member of Randstad and CEO of Global Businesses. ”Fortunately, employers have become more active advocates and allies for LGBTQ+ people. Through policy changes, corporate social activism, advocacy work and donations, a number of businesses are rallying to the calls of the community.” 

More than 90% of the Fortune 500 have LGBTQ+ policies, which is good news for employees seeking equitable working environments. Particularly as the Workmonitor research from Randstad Sourceright shows that 41% of workers in 34 countries would be unwilling to work for a company with a poor diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) record. Among younger respondents (18-24), the number increases to 49%.

“Affording equal benefits and protection to all workers should be a given, not a goal to strive for. Yet the [LGBTQ+] community continues to fight for the same rights that everyone else is given,” writes Henderson. “Employers and co-workers can prevent future erosion of the basic human rights everyone deserves by being more resolute in their support and actions.”

Read additional insights in Henderson’s article on Forbes and follow Randstad Sourceright’s DEI stream for the latest news, strategies and trends.