Inclusion is more than just a rainbow flag logo

I started being open about my sexuality to my group of friends when I was about 14, then to my family when I was 16. I’ve now spent half of my life as an openly gay woman. I’m also a daughter, an auntie, a partner, a professional, and a dog owner. All of this contributes to who I am, but none of it defines me, just as being a gay woman doesn’t either.

I began my professional life as a teacher after studying for a number of years. Several of my immediate family members were in that profession, but I quickly realised it wasn’t the career for me. I transitioned into call centre recruitment, then moved into account management, followed by the property sector, before ultimately beginning My Hays Story in the summer of 2021.
 

Companies that talk about LGBTQ+ feel more inclusive

I’ve worked at both smaller and larger companies, and experienced starkly different working environments in terms of inclusivity. My role in the property sector was my first time working for a large PLC. I directly saw the benefits of working for a larger company – they focused a lot more on DE&I and employee wellbeing, they celebrated Pride Month, and they had significant representation from the LGBTQ+ community. I felt supported in being authentically myself.

The fact that Hays is a PLC played a key role in my decision to work here. I’m now the ambassador of Yorkshire and the North for the Pride network at Hays, so I know there are countless people I can call on for support if I need to – not only members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also allies that I have identified – as the topic of LGBTQ+ is widely spoken about in an open, positive, and inclusive way.
 

I was seen as just my label at smaller companies

Unfortunately, I had a very different experience working at smaller companies. I was the only LGBTQ+ employee, there were no Pride networks, no HR, and no DE&I representatives.

“I felt excluded from after-work socials, as I didn't feel like I had much in common with my colleagues and I wouldn't have identified them as allies.”

I felt my co-workers, including senior staff members, saw me as just a gay woman, rather than seeing me as a whole person and everything that encompasses who I am.
 

Workplaces should be talking about – and embracing – DE&I

Aside from the obvious reason that having these conversations will improve feelings of inclusivity and bolster education around DE&I, employers would also see other benefits. In recruitment, for example, working in an inclusive environment can make you more open and confident in talking to others – not only colleagues, but also clients and candidates. You come across as an expert if you’re better equipped to speak with clients about topics such as DE&I, rather than just essentially filling jobs.
 

Companies can do to be more inclusive

I understand that resources and budget are, generally, more limited at smaller companies, but it doesn’t cost anything to have a conversation around DE&I and LGBTQ+ topics. It also doesn’t require a big budget to reach out to LGBTQ+ charities, such as Stonewall, who would happily have a chat or conduct a ‘lunch and learn’ with the whole team. By having these conversations and taking these steps, it would make a real impact on how comfortable LGBTQ+ employees feel talking about their gender and sexuality, without feeling like it defines them.

With larger companies also, it shouldn’t be a tick-boxing or token exercise, so it needs to be more than just changing your logo to a rainbow for Pride Month. Your LGBTQ+ employees should be celebrated and invested in all year round. It’s vital to also support the wider community, such as LGBTQ+ education in schools, homelessness – which is more common in those that identify as LGBTQ+, and countries where being gay is still illegal.

Being able to be authentically yourself shouldn’t be a privilege or mean you’re lucky – it should be the norm. Employers need to make sure conversations are happening and the LGBTQ+ community are being supported and celebrated.

To find out more about the job opportunities we have available and to start your Hays story today, take a look at our careers page.