Is your company a welcoming place for every single one of your employees?

Everyone deserves to feel valued and welcome when they go to work, whether they identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, or any other gender identity.

Many employees aren’t even aware that their behavior or language could be making co-workers uncomfortable. That’s why training and education are so important. Employee training (especially during onboarding) gives workers the tools to promote respect, encourage an inclusive culture, and recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior.

This six-part series equips employees to understand the concepts and terminology associated with gender identity and sexual orientation, so they can recognize the diversity of their co-workers and demonstrate respect and inclusion. 

This series discusses: 

• The benefits of a diverse workplace and value of inclusion
• The difference between sex and gender
• The concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation
• Terminology associated with gender identity and sexual orientation
• How to approach pronouns and avoid misgendering
• How to demonstrate respect and support in the workplace
• Examples of discrimination and how to identify and prevent harassment
• Ideas for supportive policies that managers and supervisors can put in place

But education is not just about creating a more inviting workplace, it’s also the only way to protect your business and make sure it is following the law. In June of 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from discrimination. And now federal law protects employees from firing and/or other workplace discrimination made on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Motivating Positive Behaviors

Many companies already recognize the importance of improving the experiences of LGBTQ+ employees. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 83% of Fortune 500 companies have policies extending workplace protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

But even if your organization has already adopted LGBTQ-inclusive policies, there is still room for improvement and growth. Even at companies with diversity and inclusion initiatives, many LGBTQ+ individuals still report discrimination and being made to feel uncomfortable, or even in danger, at work.

Moxie Media’s Building an Inclusive Workplace Curriculum

While company policies are essential, everyday interactions are probably even more important to promoting inclusion. Workplace training is key to motivating positive behaviors and attitudes, and creating a safe and productive work culture and environment for workers.

The six titles in this program are:

1. Why Diversity Works 
2. Understanding Sex and Gender
3. Understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
4. Showing Respect in the Workplace
5. Preventing Workplace Discrimination and Harassment  
6. Encouraging Inclusive Culture for Management

Building Diversity is an Ongoing Process

Make sure inclusion training isn’t just a one time occurrence. Studies show that periodic training is necessary to make lasting changes to work culture. For this reason, all staff should be trained at least once a year. 

In fact, diversity and inclusion should be built into the fabric of workplace culture. Reinforcement is the key to making lasting impact on organization values.

Everyone can use a refresher on how to work well together while embracing diverse perspectives. Revisiting diversity regularly will not only help build employee morale, but also boost customer satisfaction and drive bottom-line business success.

Moxie Media’s Diversity Awareness: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation offers a concise version of the full 6-part series.

Need training on another topic? Take a look at our complete human resources course library today!