GSMA’s Post

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 At Ark Consulting, we believe that every individual deserves to feel valued, respected, and included in the workplace. This Pride Month, we are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Inclusion is not just a buzzword—it's a core value that drives us to create better workplaces for all. Here are a few ways we support LGBTQIA+ employees: ✨ Inclusive Policies: We advocate for policies that protect and support LGBTQIA+ employees, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all. 💬 Support Networks: We encourage the formation of employee resource groups and provide platforms for LGBTQIA+ voices to be heard and celebrated. 📚 Continuous Learning: We are committed to ongoing education and awareness, staying informed about the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and how we can help address them. Join us in celebrating Pride Month by recognizing the contributions and achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace and beyond. Let's work together to build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. #PrideMonth #DiversityandInclusion #HRConsulting #InclusiveWorkplace #ArkConsulting

As we step into Pride Month, it's a time for celebration, reflection, and reaffirmation of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. I firmly believe that fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that drives success. So Why does Pride Month matter in the workplace? Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's identities and histories. It encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, promoting authenticity and reducing the fear of discrimination. It enhances employee engagement, Inclusive workplaces foster a sense of belonging, which in turn boosts employee morale and engagement. When employees feel seen and valued, they are more likely to contribute their best work. It drives innovation because diverse teams bring diverse perspectives. Embracing LGBTQ+ voices leads to more creative solutions and innovation, driving the company forward in unique and impactful ways. Celebrating Pride Month helps cultivate a culture of support and solidarity. It sends a strong message that discrimination has no place in our workplace and that every team member is valued. However, it’s essential to remember that rainbow-washing—superficially displaying support for Pride without meaningful action—does not equal true inclusion. Genuine inclusion requires ongoing efforts, policies, and practices that support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just in June. This Pride Month, let's use this opportunity to educate ourselves, challenge prejudices, and continue building workplaces where everyone can thrive. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #WorkplaceEquality #DEI #NoToRainbowWashing

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ workers is essential for fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive. To celebrate Pride month, here are just some of the many actionable steps an organisation can take: Visibility and Representation ➡Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language in all company communications and documents. Show that diversity and inclusion are part of your core values. ➡Celebrate Diversity: Recognise and celebrate LGBTQIA+ events (e.g., Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility) to show support and raise awareness. Safe Spaces ➡Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Support the formation of LGBTQIA+ ERGs to provide community and advocacy within the workplace. ➡Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Establish clear, confidential, and safe channels for reporting discrimination or harassment. Inclusive Culture ➡Inclusive Facilities: Provide universal bathrooms and ensure facilities accommodate the needs of all employees. ➡Mentorship Programs: Develop mentorship programs that connect LGBTQIA+ employees with supportive mentors. Inclusive Policies ➡ Anti-Discrimination Policies: Ensure your policies explicitly prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics (The Equality Act of 2010). ➡Inclusive Benefits: Offer benefits that cater to employees and their domestic partners, such as health insurance for all partners and parental leave for all types of families. Education and Training ➡Diversity Training: Implement regular training sessions on LGBTQIA+ issues, focusing on respect, unconscious bias, and the importance of inclusivity. ➡Open feedback: Have channels for LGBTQIA+ individuals that encourage feedback and ensure people know they will be listened to. By implementing these steps, an organisation can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its LGBTQIA+ workers, fostering a culture of respect, belonging, and equality. #RedefiningWorkplace(s) #Culture #ChangeManagement #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #WorkplaceEquality A couple of suggested books on developing an inclusive culture include: 📚 Demanding More (Why diversity and inclusion don't happen and what you can do about it) by Sheree Atcheson  📚 Speak Up (Say what needs to be said and hear what needs to be heard) by Megan Reitz and John Higgins

Celebrating Pride and Our LGBTQIA+ Employees! 🌈 This Pride Month, we're celebrating incredible individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community who make Featurespace such a vibrant and innovative place to work. But first, a reminder of why inclusion and advocacy are crucial all year round: · Over 7 million adults in the UK are LGBTQIA+. They are our colleagues, friends, and family. · There’s been a 112% rise in hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation over the last five years. Hate crimes against transgender individuals are particularly prevalent. · These crimes often involve violence or threats of violence, further highlighting the need for a safe and inclusive environment. · While this year’s slight decrease of 6% is positive, there’s much more work to be done. To better understand the experiences of our LGBTQIA+ employees, we recently hosted a panel discussion for our global team. Here’s what we learned: ✴ Visibility and positive representation matters: It’s important to see yourself reflected in the workplace, including through the use of inclusive language. ✴ Actively listening can help creating a safe space: Being aware of biases can help work towards a more inclusive workplace culture. ✴ Authenticity at work is powerful: It’s crucial to feel comfortable to be yourself at work, without fear of judgment. ✴ Normalise what’s traditionally been seen as different: Create a workplace where LGBTQIA+ lives are seen as ordinary, not ‘other’. In the words of one panellist, ‘make us boring!’ Featurespace is committed to ongoing action: This panel discussion was just one step in our journey towards a truly inclusive workplace. We're dedicated to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. #PrideMonth #DiversityandInclusion #LGBTQIA+ #BeYouAtWork

As we enter LGBTQIA+ History Month, it's essential for businesses to show their support and create an inclusive environment for everyone. This month is an opportunity for us to honour and celebrate the significant contributions made by the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history. Here are a few ways your business can mark this important occasion: Encourage the formation of LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) within your organization. ERGs provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences and support one another. These groups can also help implement initiatives that promote inclusivity and equality in the workplace. Offer allyship training to employees, teaching them how to be effective allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. This training can create a supportive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Review your company policies and ensure they are LGBTQIA+ inclusive. This includes non-discrimination policies, gender-neutral restrooms and using inclusive language in internal and external communications. Remember, LGBTQIA+ History Month is not just about celebration; it's also about recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by the community. By taking active steps to create an inclusive and supportive environment, businesses can foster diversity, equality and respect for all individuals. Let's make this LGBTQIA+ History Month a time of reflection, learning and celebration together! #inclusionmatters

Happy Pride Pride Month, celebrated every June, upholds the LGBTQ+ community, recognising their struggles and achievements. Its significance extends beyond one month and social justice, intertwining with sustainability. Here’s why Pride is essential to sustainability. Inclusive Societies Inclusive societies are a cornerstone of sustainable development. When everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, is valued and respected, a diversity of perspectives emerges. This diversity fuels innovation and creativity, essential for solving our global challenges. Inclusive workplaces and communities encourage broader economic participation, boosting productivity and fostering economic sustainability. Social Equity and Justice Sustainability isn't just about the environment (although that is paramount of course); it also encompasses social equity and justice. Pride Month underscores the importance of equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Promoting LGBTQ+ rights empowers marginalised communities, ensuring that all voices are heard in sustainability dialogues and decision-making processes. Community Health and Resilience Mental health and well-being are vital components of sustainable communities. Discrimination and exclusion can lead to poor mental health outcomes. Celebrating Pride Month and fostering acceptance improves the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to healthier, more resilient communities. Social cohesion, strengthened through Pride events, bolsters a communities ability. Sustainable Workplaces and Policies Businesses that celebrate Pride Month and implement inclusive policies create supportive and sustainable workplaces. Policies such as non-discrimination clauses, benefits for same-sex partners, and support for transitioning employees contribute to a more inclusive environment. Companies demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) often extend this responsibility to their environmental and social governance (ESG) practices, promoting overall sustainability. Advocacy and Awareness Pride Month raises visibility for LGBTQ+ issues and advocates for broader acceptance and rights. This advocacy is crucial for building an inclusive society where everyone can contribute to and benefit from sustainable development. Furthermore, Pride Month educates the public about the challenges and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering greater understanding and support for inclusive policies and practices. Happy Pride Melissa Tilling, Editor Gaydio Beyond Reflections Stonewall LGBT Foundation Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) UN Tourism #sustainabletourism

How to research LGBTQIA+ inclusive employers🏳️🌈 Researching potential future employers is important to ensure their values align with yours, but where do you start? Windō provides detailed profiles and insights on employers' commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including LGBTQIA+ transparency. It can be used to research and compare potential employers' efforts in supporting LGBTQIA+ employees, helping you find inclusive workplaces. On the blog, we talk to Ken Janssens, Co-Founder & Head of Social Impact at Windō about researching LGBTQIA+ friendly workplaces using Windō's LGBTQ+ Transparent value filter, which tracks over 500 major employers based on their diversity and inclusion efforts. Read the full blog here https://loom.ly/NXnyRfg #researchingemployers #EDI #Inclusiveemployers #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+ #LGBTStudents #BristolPride

🏳️🌈 Happy Pride Day, everyone! 🏳️🌈 Today we celebrate love, identity, and the LGBTQ+ community's journey towards equality. It's a day to reflect on the historic Stonewall Uprising and honor the progress made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. At Total Circle HR, we believe that #diversity and #inclusion are essential for creating thriving workplaces. We understand that when employees feel safe, respected, and valued for who they are, it fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and success. This day and month creates an opportunity for businesses to take meaningful action towards creating more inclusive workplaces. Here are a few ways organizations can show their support: 1️⃣ Education and Awareness: Host workshops, seminars, or training sessions to educate employees about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and issues. 2️⃣ Visibility and Representation: Display Pride-themed decorations, create inclusive marketing materials, and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are represented in company communications. 3️⃣ Employee Resource Groups (#ERGs): Establish or support LGBTQ+ ERGs to provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change. 4️⃣ #CommunityEngagement: Partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations, sponsor Pride events, or participate in volunteer opportunities. 5️⃣ #InclusivePolicies: Review and update company policies to ensure they are inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals,including those related to benefits, dress code, and anti-discrimination. At Total Circle #HR, we are committed to helping businesses create workplaces where everyone feels welcome and empowered to be their authentic selves. We offer comprehensive #HRsolutions tailored to your specific needs, including diversity and inclusion training, #policydevelopment, and #employeeengagement strategies. Today, let's join together to celebrate the progress made and recommit ourselves to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone, all year around. Reach out to us today and remember, we’re HeRe for you—and that means all of you. #PrideDay #DiversityAndInclusion #SmallBusinessHR #HR #HumanResources #HRConsulting #HRTips

June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to our society. In the workplace, celebrating Pride Month is not only about showing support but also about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Here are some ways organizations can meaningfully celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month: 1. Education and Awareness: Organize workshops and training sessions to educate employees about LGBTQ+ issues, history, and the importance of allyship. 2. Visibility and Representation: Update company communications to include Pride-related themes, ensuring that LGBTQ+ employees feel seen and recognized. 3. Supportive Policies and Procures: Ensure company policies support LGBTQ+ employees, including non-discrimination clauses, health benefits for same-sex partners, and policies for transitioning employees. 4. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Support the creation and activities of LGBTQ+ ERGs, providing a safe space for employees to connect and advocate for their community. 4. Community Engagement: Partner with LGBTQ+ organizations and charities to support community initiatives and events. 5. Celebratory Events: Host events such as Pride parades, themed office decorations, and virtual celebrations to create a festive atmosphere. 6. Continuous Commitment: Demonstrate ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion by integrating these practices into the company culture year-round. Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the workplace is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By actively supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ employees, organizations not only enhance workplace culture but also drive innovation, collaboration, and overall success. Let’s make this Pride Month a meaningful celebration of love, acceptance, and progress.

I made this article for local businesses in Bowling Green, KY. My employer declined to run it, so thought you could enjoy: 🌈 Celebrating Pride Month in BG June is here, and that means it's time to celebrate Pride Month! This is a special time to honor and support our LGBTQ+ friends, family, colleagues, and community. It's a great chance for businesses of all sizes to show their commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Supporting Pride Month isn’t just about doing what’s right; it’s also great for business! Inclusive companies tend to have happier employees who stick around longer. When people feel respected and valued, they’re more engaged and productive. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and ideas, leading to better solutions. Plus, more and more consumers are choosing brands that stand up for social justice and inclusivity. How Your Business Can Show Support: Inclusive Policies: Ensure your workplace policies protect LGBTQ+ rights with clear anti-discrimination policies and equal benefits for all employees. Training Programs: Offer diversity and inclusion training to help employees understand LGBTQ+ issues and foster a respectful workplace. Community Engagement: Participate in local Pride events, sponsor LGBTQ+ organizations, and support charities working towards equality. Visibility and Representation: Use your platforms to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Share stories, highlight contributions, and celebrate successes. By supporting #Pride Month and embracing these practices year-round, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits everyone. Let’s celebrate diversity, champion equality, and show that good business is all about being inclusive. #HappyPrideMonth! Local Business Spotlight Matthew 25: Ministries: Comprehensive preventative and supportive care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. (https://lnkd.in/eE62hNwV) LGBTQ+ Clinic at Graves Gilbert Clinic: Offers general health care, hormone therapy, injection training, mental health care, and PrEP for HIV. (https://lnkd.in/eRrxWjgZ) English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley Law : Recognized for its Legal Diversity Pipeline Project. (https://lnkd.in/eDCnPTgg)