25 Oct Leading the Way for Sexual Orientation in the Workplace

Sexual Orientation in the Workplace

 By: Farzana Nayani

Earlier this year, the FedEx Corporation made the news for changing its employee’s benefits for same-sex partners allegedly as a result of shareholder activism. Although they have yet to implement them, other companies such as ExxonMobil and Wal-Mart have received the same pressures of proposed resolutions from shareholders that specifically target same-sex domestic partner benefits that are currently lacking from these companies.

Legally, there is much going on in recent events regarding the rights of same-sex partners to be married and recognized under state and federal law.

With such issues in the news – how does this affect your organization? What will you do to address sexual orientation issues within the workplace?

Addressing issues regarding sexual orientation can be viewed as a challenge, due to the differing beliefs and approaches on the topic, and how sensitive a subject it can be for many.

As a leader in your organization, it is imperative to be aware of and proactive in creating a positive climate for your employees, inclusive of differences in sexual orientation. Creating a safe and equitable workplace is critical for employee recruitment, retention, and satisfaction and encouraging innovation in the workplace. It is also a key component in reaching out to a more and more diverse audience in the marketplace.

How to help make your organization more inclusive of an employee’s sexual orientation?

 The Federal GLOBE, an organization with the charge to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the federal government based on sexual orientation, has a checklist of best practices for creating a model workplace for all employees.

Some recommendations from this list include:

• Including language prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in non-discrimination policy statements;
• Encouraging All EEO personnel, HR professionals and managers to receive training on issues regarding sexual orientation in the workplace;
• Establish procedures for active outreach in hiring openly GLBT and GLBT- sensitive managers, employees, and contractors throughout the Department/Agency;
• Ensure that equitable benefits and privileges are granted to all employees;
• Support LGBT employee resource and networking groups;
• Ensure that Department/Agency publications include and provide adequate and fair coverage of GLBT employee organization issues and activities.

It is important to acknowledge the value of diversity within your organization, including that of sexual orientation. Employees who are unable to bring their “whole selves” to the job cannot be fully engaged.

For more information about how to create an inclusive environment in the workplace, including matters of sexual orientation, please contact us at: eds@executivediversity.com .

References:

Federal GLOBE, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Employees of the Federal Government (2010) Website: http://www.fedglobe.org/home.html

Zoppo, G. (2010). FedEx’s Domestic-Partner Benefits: Spurred by Shareholder Activism? DiversityInc, June 2010. http://w.diversityinc.com/cgi-bin/cms/article.cgi?mode=printable&id=7731

REEL REVIEWS:

Milk (2008), starring Sean Penn, chronicles the story and struggles of Harvey Milk, a gay activist who becomes the first openly gay political official elected in California. This film examines the relationship of business and politics, neighborhood organizing, and one man’s vision in advocating for the rights of gay people in the 1960s and 70s. This film incorporates scenes from San Francisco’s famous community The Castro, and real archival footage from that time period. This movie is a must-see for understanding the history of civil rights issues that still dominate the news today.

The Kids are All Right (2010), starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore is being billed as a comedy about the children of a lesbian couple who decide to find their biological father. It is that and much more. This is not a “lesbian” film: it is a portrait of a family filled with love, compassion, humor and forgiveness.The relationship of Bening and Moore is rich and complicated—as is any relationship that spans more than two decades. A young and interesting sperm donor surfaces the reactions that someone new in a family can create: excitement, intrigue, and jealousy. Reacting to this new individual brings out both the best and the worst in each family member, resulting in an opportunity to re-consider what is important. This is one of the richest examinations of family life the film industry has given us yet and it is exciting that it happens around a non-traditional family. – Donna Stringer

QUOTABLES: Quotes on Sexual Orientation

“I don’t believe I’m any different from straight people. My wants and needs are the same as theirs. I don’t look at sexual orientation as that big of a deal. It’s just an orientation.”
– Chas Bono, Writer, Actor, Musician

“I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.”

 – Coretta Scott King, Author, Activist, Civil Rights Leader

“The criteria for serving one’s country should be competence, courage and willingness to serve. When we deny people the chance to serve because of their sexual orientation, we deprive them of their rights of citizenship.”

– Diane Feinstein, Senator