In 2023, more than 500 bills were introduced in state legislatures that would strip back LGBTQ+ rights.
That total represents a nearly 300% increase over the number of similar bills introduced in 2022, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is currently tracking close to 500 such bills already introduced this year.
A new report from Out & Equal, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ+ workplace, equity, inclusion and belonging, assesses how such legislation is affecting LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, and how its impacting where they decide to take their talents.
In Talent on the Move—Where Do We Go From Here?, Out & Equal shared findings from a survey of more than 560 LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ working professionals across the United States. The poll found that “the U.S. legislative landscape is having a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ people and allies,” according to a statement summarizing some of the key findings. For example:
⃰ 94% of respondents feel LGBTQ+ equality has worsened in the last year
⃰ 45% of survey participants said they feel less safe in their state of residence because of state-level policy changes in LGBTQ+ rights
⃰ 31% of respondents indicated these feelings have led them to consider relocating to another state
⃰ 24% said they’ve heard jokes about the LGBTQ+ community while at work.
In addition, 40% reported feeling less than fully comfortable having discussions with their supervisors about the impact these legislative changes have on them and their families. And 79% said that anti-LGBTQ+ laws would affect whether they would relocate for a new job or position in a particular state.
The report also demonstrates that LGBTQ+ employees and their allies expect employers to provide them with support, although 72% of respondents said their company did not respond sufficiently to the recent increase in anti-LGBTQ legislation. Respondents also cited a number of actions employers can take to offer their support, such as:
⃰ Offering flexible/remote work options (56%)
⃰ Engaging in public policy advocacy (55%)
⃰ Providing employer-funded relocation services/resources (52%)
⃰ Providing support for out-of-state travel and benefits (50%)
⃰ Hosting dedicated employee assistance programs for employees struggling with the impact, anticipated and felt, of changing legislation (42%)
“When lawmakers flood state houses with anti-LGBTQ+ bills, they are not just hurting LGBTQ+ people and their families, they are throwing up roadblocks to business growth,” said Deena Fidas, chief program and partnerships officer at Out & Equal, in a statement.
This recent research shows that policies “aimed at curbing the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community” also affect organizations’ ability to recruit and retain talent and relocate workers with ease, added Fidas.
“Inclusion and belonging are pillars that are both moral imperatives and smart business practice. With the insights shared in this report, employers can reflect on their workplace policies and ensure they are taking the right steps to support this community with the resources they need.”
05 April 2024
Category
HR News Article