Out, Loud and Proud? - LGBT+ Employees' Perceptions of Workplace Inclusion & Diversity

Abstract: In recent years, workforce diversity has attracted considerable research attention. However, few attempts have been made to study the perceptions of inclusion and diversity specifically from LGBT+ employees’ perspectives. The aim of this study is therefore to contribute valuable insights into LGBT+ employees’ perceptions of inclusion and diversity at work. The findings intend to develop readers’ understanding of the potential impacting factors and outcomes of perceived LGBT+ inclusion, as well as the perceived organizational prerequisites for creating an LGBT+ inclusive workplace. Following a qualitative method and abductive strategy, semi- structured interviews with eleven LGBT+ employees from Accenture, a global consultancy company in the Nordic region, were conducted with an interpretative approach. Interviews were thematically analyzed together with company materials. Alongside other findings, uniqueness was only found to be valued among LGBT+ employees to a certain extent. Conversely, beyond a certain point of focus on the LGBT+ inclusion and diversity, excessive organizational efforts were suggested to trigger backlashes. Furthermore, heteronormativity, the silence of non-disclosure, perceived acceptance within the Nordic society, and the subjective view of adequacy towards the level of focus on LGBT+ inclusion was identified as factors impacting the employees’ feelings of inclusion. Additionally, openness towards coming out and the constructs of work engagement were suggested as outcomes of perceived workplace inclusion. Finally, showcasing actions, active leadership, LGBT+ role models, training, and bottom-up forces were identified as prerequisites for a workplace to be perceived as inclusive. These results illustrate the complexity of understanding LGBT+ employees’ perception of workplace inclusion, which further highlights the need for future research within the area.