Survey Reveals 30% of LGBTQ+ Applicants Deterred by Insufficient Support

42% of Surveyed Individuals Prefer Companies That Publicly Support LGBTQ+ Rights

According to a new survey by Indeed, nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ employees have refrained from applying to certain companies due to a perceived lack of supportive culture. The statistics are even more concerning for trans job seekers, with about 50% avoiding workplaces they feel are unsupportive.

Companies that clearly and consistently support the rights and identities of all their employees will attract top talent, as many job seekers will bypass employers who fail to demonstrate this commitment. This survey was released just in time for Pride Month 2024, highlighting the ongoing importance of inclusive workplace cultures.

What LGBTQ+ Employees Seek in an Inclusive Workplace

Beyond the previously mentioned statistics, the Indeed survey also revealed that one in four LGBTQ+ employees would not consider applying to a company lacking LGBTQ+ representation.

“Everyone deserves to work in environments where they feel safe, valued, and accepted. They deserve visible role models and peers throughout the company, and to work in regions where their rights are safeguarded both legally and culturally,” states Indeed.

Indeed also underscores the significance of supportive workplace cultures, noting that the US LGBTQ+ workforce comprises 15 million people, according to the US Census Bureau.

Additionally, as of May 2024, a total of 515 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the US. Given this hostile political climate, it’s understandable that LGBTQ+ employees are more focused than ever on finding accepting workplaces.

Effective Ways for Businesses to Demonstrate Support

The survey identified key types of support that attract the highest percentages of LGBTQ+ job seekers. Public statements of support were most trusted, closely followed by visible symbols of inclusion.

• 42% of the community values companies that make public declarations in favor of LGBTQ+ rights.

• 35% consider displaying LGBTQ+ pride symbols as crucial.

• 33% look for active support from leadership for LGBTQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs).

• 31% believe management support is essential.

• 31% also emphasize the importance of accessible and respectful gender-inclusive facilities.

Essential Remote Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Given that a third of respondents emphasized the need for LGBTQ+ accessibility, it's crucial to highlight the availability of queer remote resources, especially as Pride Month 2024 begins. This period makes it easier than ever to find queer events and community gatherings, whether in-person or online.

Remote or hybrid workplaces with distributed teams should direct their employees to Virtual Pride 2024, an online calendar featuring over a hundred free or low-cost events celebrating the queer community.

Promoting fully inclusive virtual events supports disabled, immune-compromised, isolated, and closeted individuals. Moreover, since authentic public statements of support resonate most with LGBTQ+ job seekers, your business could attract higher-quality job applications, enhancing your team’s productivity for years to come.