Is coming out necessary in the virtual workplace?
There is a plethora of research which proves that companies that promote equality and LGBTQ+ rights employ a more productive, engaged workforce. It is no surprise that the ability to bring your authentic self to work increases job satisfaction. However, in a time when remote working is the norm and social interaction is limited, is it even necessary to come out at work anymore?
The idea of coming out at work, whether it be in a new job or not, is something all of us in the community face and it is often something that provokes a huge amount of anxiety. Covid-19, however, has changed the way we work and these changes may stick around long after the virus has gone.
To an extent, working from home has the potential to reduce some of the typical anxieties around coming out in the workplace. For one, the physicalities - such as gendered bathrooms or displaying a sentimental family picture on your desk - are no longer relevant, making these notions far less intimidating. Not having to face these practicalities could mean that there is no longer a need to explicitly come out at work.
The other side of this, though, is that working from home can be quite a lonely and isolating experience. For many of us, the brief meetings and chats with our co-workers throughout the day provide an important social outlet, and these conversations almost seem more personal because people are so eager to connect with each other. Showing your authentic self in these social outlets has become more important then ever before.
From the business point of view, people who feel appreciated and valued at work provide the best results - whether it be in a physical or virtual world. Therefore, it makes economic sense for businesses to promote an inclusive culture with employees working from home.
The freedom and comfort LGBTQ+ people feel at home needs to be replicated in the workplace. Whether it’s using the bathroom of your choice, having lunch with your other half or something as simple as displaying the photos of your loved ones, we should all work towards a safer and more comfortable workplace.
If you are a LGBTQ+ employee, and are considering coming out, here are some tips to help you along the way:
This is your decision to come out, don’t feel pressured to do so and do it in your own time
Tell colleagues you trust first, and build a safe network
If you are feeling stressed, seek help from professional organisations or workplace employee assistance programmes
If you are a business, you should take the following steps to ensure an environment where people can be themselves:
Be proactive in letting employees know that your workplace is one of equality and inclusion. This is more difficult to do in a virtual world, but it is just as important as before the pandemic
Provide support for employees - whether it be through buddy systems, employee assistance programmes or external referrals
At Certified Proud, we believe that regardless of whether you work in an office or from home, businesses should ensure that their employees and customers feel safe to express their authentic selves, if that is what they want. Through education, training and awareness, Certified Proud hopes to work with businesses to ensure that LGBTQ+ equality remains high on the agenda, both in the office and at home.