While organizational attention to the topics of workplace equality and inclusion has increased, some social groups are still disadvantaged. To support LGBTIQ+ employees at work, many organizations have LGBTIQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs). These groups are uniquely placed to provide a safe space for LGBTIQ+ employees, facilitate alliances between these employees and their ally colleagues, and advocate for structural changes in the organization.

In this symposium, Prof. Anna Einarsdottir, from the University of York, and Prof. Jojanneke van der Toorn, from Leiden University and Workplace Pride’s Special Professor for LGBTIQ+ Inclusion, shared insights from their recent research on the topic, discussing the promises and pitfalls of LGBTIQ+ ERGs and how they can be most effective. A panel including LGBTIQ+ ERG and HR specialists, including Workplace Pride’s executive David Pollard, reflected on the findings, shared insights from practice, and discussed how ERGs can contribute to LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

The “LGBTIQ+ Employee Resource Groups: Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities” symposium was organized by Jojanneke van der Toorn, Eva Jaspers, Chenhao Zhou, Kshitij Mor, and Paula Hoffmann, in collaboration with Academia@WorkplacePride.

* To read the full summary report click below:

2022 Symposium Summary

• To watch the video of the symposium, click here
  

• To view the slides from the symposium, click below:

2022 LGBTIQ+ ERG Symposium Slides