The Rainbow Brief: Academic Insights on LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion
As Professor of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion at Leiden University, Jojanneke van der Toorn collaborates closely with Workplace Pride to bridge academic research and organisational practice. Together, they advance evidence-based strategies that foster more inclusive, equitable, and psychologically safe workplaces for LGBTIQ+ individuals globally.
Reflections on SOGI Collection
When does it feel safe to share who you are at work?
Jojanneke’s interdisciplinary team explored employees’ perspectives on organizational data collection related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Unlike previous research that focused on organisational motives, this study examined employee experiences—under what conditions individuals feel safe or reluctant to disclose personal identity aspects.
Key takeaway: Thoughtful, voluntary, and transparent SOGI data practices support inclusion—but only when trust, anonymity, and relevance are prioritised.
Recommendations for HR and DEI Teams:
- Start with Purpose & Transparency – Communicate why data is collected and how it fosters inclusion.
- Design for Trust – Involve LGBTQ+ employees and ERGs in the process.
- Ensure Anonymity & Security – Use anonymous submission tools and protect access.
- Keep Disclosure Voluntary – Avoid coercion; respect non-disclosure.
- Adopt an Intersectional Lens – Recognize multiple dimensions of identity.
- Pilot, Listen, Adapt – Use feedback loops to refine approaches.
More Biased, Yet More Informed?
Jojanneke, alongside Erdem Ozan Meral and Corinne Moss-Racusin, explored whether perceptions of bias and expertise differ depending on whether you belong to the marginalized group you study. Their findings shed light on the mechanisms behind these perceptions.
The Privacy and Inclusion (P.INC) project group of the Utrecht Young Academy has, in collaboration with Workplace Pride, set up a guide for D&I officers. In this guide, they can find an overview of the most important rules regarding the collection of information about the sexual orientation and gender identity of employees.
Staying the Course in a Shifting DEI Landscape
At this year’s Workplace Pride Conference at KIT Amsterdam, Jojanneke co-led a session with Kshitij Mor: “Staying the Course: Keeping LGBTQ+ and Other Identities at the Center in a Shifting DEI Landscape”. The session emphasised the importance of keeping identity central in DEI messaging to sustain meaningful diversity efforts.
Actionable takeaways include:
- Embed identity-focused practices in DEI strategies.
- Use research insights to guide organisational messaging.
Monitor and adapt approaches to maintain long-term inclusivity.
Upcoming Event: 2025 LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion Symposium
Date: 13 November, 2025
Location: Leiden University
Join researchers and D&I professionals at this year’s symposium to explore the latest in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion research. Highlights include:
- Keynote presentations by Prof. Luke Fletcher (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Prof. Jojanneke van der Toorn.
- Panels featuring researchers and D&I leaders from public and private sectors.
- Networking opportunities over coffee and tea with like-minded professionals.
Stay tuned for details to secure your place in this critical dialogue.
Why Jojanneke’s Work Matters
- Bridges research and practice to drive measurable workplace inclusion.
- Provides evidence-based guidance for HR and DEI teams.
Elevates employee experiences, trust, and psychological safety in organisational policy.