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Global Benchmark 2023: A Triumph of LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace

3 November 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Impact Awards, News, news, Uncategorised

Organisations Worldwide Recognised for Commitment to Equality and Inclusivity

Amsterdam November 03, 2023. In a celebration of commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Global Benchmark 2023 is here, applauding organisations that have shown unwavering dedication to the LGBTIQ+ cause. This year’s benchmark results, which were announced at the 10th annual Workplace Pride Impact Awards Gala, reflect the evolving landscape, where organisations are increasingly responsive to societal changes, particularly in their relationships with the LGBTIQ+ community.

Pioneering the Path to Inclusivity

The Global Benchmark for 2023 is a testament to the remarkable organisations that are not only reshaping their workplaces but also driving substantial societal transformation. Among the standout performers for 2023, we find:

Advocates: These are the organisations that have set the gold standard, achieving top-level scores, consistently surpassing 90% in the 2023 results. These top achievers, listed in reverse alphabetical order, include Unilever, Sodexo, Shell, RELX Elsevier, PwC Netherlands, IBM, Dow, and Accenture.

Ambassadors: Acknowledged for their significant achievements, these organisations secured scores ranging from 70% to 90% in the 2023 results. Notable names in this category, listed in reverse alphabetical order, include Nokia, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn & Sport, McKinsey & Company, KLM, ING, Deloitte, Cisco, Avery Dennison, Arcadis, and Aegon N.V.

Congratulations also go to those organisations who have made the greatest strides in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion over the past year: 

Most Improved over 2022 Global Benchmark score:

dsm-firmenich+31%
Gilead Sciences Netherlands+ Belgium +30%
Kite Pharma EU B.V.+29%
Nike+27%
Cisco+26%
Avery Dennison+25%

A Global Symbol of Inclusion

The Global Benchmark serves as a symbol of excellence in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion across the world. It empowers organisations with valuable data, enabling them to assess and enhance LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion within their entities, regardless of their geographical location.

Each participating organisation is provided with a comprehensive assessment of their progress, categorised into eight critical dimensions: Policy & Communication, Employee Networks, Workplace Awareness, Support & Benefits, Inclusion & Engagement, Expertise & Monitoring, Business & Supplier Engagement, and Societal Impact.

Striving for Equality

For a deeper understanding of the Global Benchmark 2023 and to explore the detailed results, readers are encouraged to consult the full press release, accessible via the button below. This year’s achievements stand as a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater inclusivity and equality for all.

The Global Benchmark 2023 is not just an award but a beacon of hope, guiding organisations toward a brighter, more inclusive future for the LGBTIQ+ community in the workplace.

Download Press Release Here

Tech@Workplace Pride organise company visit to discuss “Out@Work”

20 October 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Members Exchange, news, News, Tech@WorkplacePride, Uncategorised, Workplace Pride Communities

On the 19th of September, Workplace Pride members were cordially invited to partake in a company visit to Eaton in Hengelo. Strategically coinciding with Coming Out Day on October 11th, the visit brought together participants from diverse tech companies for a deep discussion on the theme “Out@Work.”

Exploring Company Visits

The Tech@Workplace Pride community, as outlined in their 2023 strategic goals, has set a range of objectives. Notably, one of these objectives is to orchestrate visits to LGBTIQ+ communities within tech companies. The aim is to engage in fruitful conversations about the most effective Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) practices, while also incorporating an online participation dimension. Through these visits, Tech@Workplace Pride aspires to enhance visibility, shedding light on the remarkable diversity and inclusivity within the tech sector.

Connecting with Operational Staff

Initial steps towards achieving these goals were taken during the Workplace Pride conference on May 26th of this year. A follow-up initiative was launched during a member exchange session, seeking to bridge the gap in LGBTIQ+ inclusion between operational and office staff. The recent visit to Eaton facilitated fresh insights into efforts to align LGBTIQ+ activities with the production floor.

Journey Through the Production Floor

The visit began with an insightful “We Make PRIDE Work” introduction led by Eugén Ranft, Managing Director at Eaton Industries Netherlands B.V., and Barış Ekici, EMEA leader of the Eaton PRIDE iERG. Participants, dressed in safety gear, were divided into two groups to explore the production floor, gaining valuable insights into Eaton’s products and their dedicated creators.

Interactive Workshop: The visit culminated in an engaging workshop led by Marco Strijks, Liaison Office Diversity & Inclusion from Th!nk with PRIDE/Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and Renan Machado Cardoso, Global Inclusion and Diversity Project Lead at Eaton. The discussion revolved around three pivotal statements, seeking innovative solutions to pertinent challenges.

In Closing

“Out@Work”, organised by Tech@Workplace Pride, stood as a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the tech sector.

About Eaton: Eaton, an intelligent power management company, is devoted to enhancing the quality of life and safeguarding the environment worldwide.

Kigali Roundtable Advances LGBTIQ+ Socio-Economic Inclusion

19 October 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Free to Be Me, News, news, Uncategorised

Workplace Pride Partners with Dutch Embassy in Rwanda and Hivos to Drive Progress

This week, as part of the Free to Be Me Program, Workplace Pride, in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda and Hivos, convened the Kigali Socio-Economic Roundtable Discussion. This significant event brought together over 30 community members, diplomatic missions, and business representatives with the aim of raising awareness regarding socio-economic inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community, initiating crucial conversations, and fostering commitment for future dialogues.

Download Kigali Roundtable Report

 “Economic development programs are not reaching LGBTIQ+ people adequately or equitably. In our workplaces, creating an environment where everyone can be themselves is essential and should be the standard for modern businesses.”

Dutch Ambassador in Kigali, Joan Wiegman

During the roundtable held at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador in Kigali, Joan Wiegman, she emphasised the imperative need for an environment in workplaces where everyone can authentically be themselves, asserting that this should be the benchmark for modern businesses. Ambassador Wiegman stated, “Economic development programs must adequately and equitably encompass the LGBTIQ+ community.”

Key insights from the discussions include:

  1. The demand for increased investments and resources to propel economic inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community.
  2. The recognition that more efforts are necessary to heighten awareness and transform narratives, positioning the LGBTIQ+ community as vital contributors to inclusive economic growth.
  3. Emphasis on the significance of not only having inclusive policies but ensuring their active implementation to achieve comprehensive inclusion.

Dutch Ambassador in Kigali, Joan Wiegman with Levis Maina, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PATH

As Workplace Pride, we take immense pride in the resilience demonstrated by the Rwandan LGBTIQ+ community and remain steadfast in our commitment to drive inclusion, paving the way for socio-economic development opportunities for the LGBTIQ+ community both locally, in Africa, and across Asia.

#Hivos, #EmbassyoftheKingdomoftheNetherlandsinRwanda, #IrisVanNoord, #MarloesVanFulpen, #LevisNderitu, #AlvinAmbunya, #GrahamSparks, #AnneJellema, #SaidaAli

Workplace Pride Announces 2023 Impact Awards Nomination Shortlist

11 October 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, Impact Awards, News, news, Uncategorised

Date:October 11, 2023

Amsterdam, Netherlands – On this significant National Coming Out Day, Workplace Pride takes immense pleasure in unveiling the much-anticipated shortlist for the 2023 Impact Awards. These awards are a testament to the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

View Shortlist Nominations

A Night of Celebration

The pinnacle of this year’s journey will be the Impact Awards Gala, hosted at the prestigious Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. It will be a night of celebration, recognising those who have shown unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

Exceptional Finalists

This year’s shortlist includes outstanding nominees in various categories, reflecting the dedication and hard work invested in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Here’s a glimpse of the exceptional finalists:

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Network Award

This prestigious award honours the Workplace Pride member LGBTIQ+ network that has demonstrated outstanding engagement within their organisation and the broader community over the past year. The nominees for this category are:

– PwC

– Accenture

– Shell

These networks embody unity, collaboration, and impactful engagement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Volunteer Award

The Volunteer Award celebrates individuals from Workplace Pride member organisations who have gone above and beyond to foster LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. The nominees for this category are:

– Mike van de Langenberg (They/Them) – Van Lanschot Kempen

– Kaneesha Nadal (They/Them) – Kite Pharma EU BV

– Razvan Bran(He/Him) – Lenovo

These remarkable volunteers have made a meaningful difference in the lives of many through their dedication to inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Media Outreach Award

This award acknowledges the power of positive representation in the media. It celebrates Workplace Pride members who have effectively highlighted LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion through media channels. The nominees for this category are:

– Can you see me campaign – Deloitte

– Shell India Mobility – Shell

– Pride matters. Every Day – ING

These nominees have played a crucial role in shaping informed perspectives on LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Ally Award

The Ally Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated unwavering support for inclusivity and understanding, both within their organisation and externally. The nominees for this category are:

– Vandana Verma – SLB

– Marijke Loonen – FrieslandCampina

– Terhi Kivinen (She /Her) – Kemira

These exceptional allies have shown extraordinary dedication to the cause of inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Role Model Award

This award honours individuals who lead by example and inspire positive change, contributing to the creation of more LGBTIQ+ inclusive workplaces. The nominees for this category are:

– Janet Visbeen (She /Her) – PwC

– Sharron Cairns (She/Her) – Nike

– Yasmin Reis – Shell Brazil

These role models are trailblazers who set a path for others to follow, demonstrating the power of leadership in fostering inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Members’ Choice – Game Changer Award

This distinguished award recognizes initiatives among Workplace Pride members that ignite societal impact for the LGBTIQ+ community. It celebrates projects or efforts that have the potential to move and activate people, leaving a lasting positive imprint.

The full list of nominations and more information about the Workplace Pride Impact Awards can be found here.

As we eagerly await the results and the grand celebration at the Impact Awards Gala, Workplace Pride applauds these remarkable individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions towards a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Their dedication is an inspiration to all, and it reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

Challenges Persist: Bisexual Inclusion in the Workplace Still an Uphill Battle

23 September 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Uncategorised

Date: September 23, 2023

In the ongoing struggle for workplace inclusivity, the hurdles faced by the bisexual community remain a persistent challenge despite significant advancements in LGBTIQ+ rights and equality measures over the past fifteen years.

In an effort to foster inclusivity, hundreds of major corporations have made substantial strides by implementing a range of policies, benefits, and practices geared towards advancing LGBTIQ+ rights in the workplace. These initiatives have included the widespread adoption of non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the introduction of partner benefits, the establishment of employee resource groups, support for supplier diversity, and active involvement in public policy efforts aimed at advancing LGBTIQ+ rights.

Nevertheless, bisexual visibility and inclusion continue to be areas where many workplaces fall short. While LGBTIQ+ inclusive policies and practices are undeniably pivotal in levelling the playing field within organisations, they alone do not necessarily translate into a shift in organisational culture. Recent research conducted by the HRC Foundation highlights this ongoing struggle. Their studies on the daily experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the workplace consistently reveal significant disparities for bisexual-identified workers across various regions, industries, and age groups.

The persistence of these challenges underscores the pressing need for a more comprehensive approach to LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in the workforce. While legislative protections and corporate policies provide a crucial foundation, fostering a truly inclusive culture necessitates continued efforts to address biases, stereotypes, and stigmas that persist within workplaces. Only through concerted, ongoing efforts can workplaces create an environment where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, feels fully seen, respected, and valued.

In a recent event organised by Bi+ Netherlands network, held at ProRail on August 3rd, a glimmer of hope emerged. Iris Buizer and Prof. Dr. Jojanneke van der Toorn, who holds the position of Professor of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion at Leiden University, had the privilege of presenting preliminary findings from their research on the workplace inclusion of bi+ individuals in the Netherlands. This event provided an opportunity for insightful discussions and an exchange of ideas on how to address the challenges faced by the bi+ community in the workplace.

Prof. Dr. Jojanneke van der Toorn, who also shared insights into the Netherlands InclusivityMonitor, showcased her commitment to advancing LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. Her presence at the event, supported by the Bi+ Netherlands network, underlines the importance of academic expertise in driving progress in the field of workplace inclusivity. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences and marked another step toward achieving greater workplace equality for all.

Workplace Pride extends its sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Jojanneke van der Toorn, who serves as their Professor of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion at Leiden University. Her valuable contributions to the ongoing efforts in promoting LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusivity are greatly acknowledged. As conversations continue and initiatives like these gain traction, there is optimism for a future where bisexual visibility and inclusion in the workplace become standard practices, ensuring that everyone can excel in their professional lives, regardless of their sexual orientation.