Advancing LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion: Barriers, Opportunities, and Strategies for Progress

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals often face less favorable outcomes in the workplace compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers. Addressing these disparities requires a deeper understanding of the challenges they encounter and the development of effective strategies to improve workplace inclusion and outcomes. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ employees and examines promising approaches for fostering inclusion by considering the roles of various organizational actors and factors. It explores four key phases of workplace experiences, along with solutions to challenges within each phase: (1) entry into the labor market, focusing on recruitment and hiring, (2) advancement, addressing development and promotion opportunities, (3) exit, encompassing turnover intentions and job security, and (4) inclusion, highlighting openness about sexual orientation, discrimination, and unwanted behavior. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research to further advance understanding and support for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.