Embracing diversity critical for Irish economy with over 130,000 lesbian and gay people in Irish workplace
March 25, 2010
“Openness to diversity including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will be a critical part of our success as an advanced, competitive and ‘smart’ global economy,” according to the Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan T.D. in the foreword to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Workplace Diversity Guide, which she will be launching in Dublin today (24th March 2010, Royal College of Physicians, No.6 Kildare St).
Supported by the employer’s representative body IBEC, multinational IBM, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Business in the Community and the Equality Authority, the Guide published by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network), is a practical toolkit for employers and trades unions in implementing cultural and diversity policies in the workplace for their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees.
The Tánaiste highlights in her foreword the role of diversity in Ireland’s economy “Employers and trades unions in effect need to ”come out” to their LGBT employees as being positive and inclusive places to work for LGBT employees. Diversity brings with it an openness to new ideas, more creative workforces and innovation, which is at the heart of where Ireland wants to be as a participant in the wider global economy.”
Welcoming the Guide, Davin Roche, GLEN Director of Workplace Diversity, said, “There are over 130,000 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in the workforce. Employers reap benefits in productivity, recruitment, retention and reputation when they make their workplaces accessible and supportive of their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Irish research has found that almost 60% of LGBT workers surveyed were not out generally in the workplace. Many feel being open about their sexual orientation with their colleagues could damage their career, promotion prospects or professional relationships. This is something we need to address and change as a society if we are to be truly competitive on a global scale.”
Speaking at the launch Ciaran Ennis, Head of Communications, Marketing & Corporate Citizenship at IBM Ireland said “This year marks the 25th anniversary of our global lesbian, gay and bisexual non-discrimination policy. We are delighted to be associated with the launch of today's report. IBM as a company stands for progress and we like to work with forward thinkers. At IBM, we pride ourselves on delivering a working environment which reflects equality of opportunity and experience for all. Diversity constitutes our character, our identity and ultimately our success – it is in our DNA.”
Other highlights from the LGB Workplace Diversity Guide include:
- Addressing issues of sexual orientation and gender identity demonstrate that an organisation is forward-thinking and courageous. It is also good for business.
- Progressive employers recognise the importance of creating a workforce culture that embraces diversity and equality. Key factors driving diversity policies in the workplace are productivity, recruitment & retention, reputation and risk mitigation.
- There are over 300,000 LGBT people in Ireland. They comprise a very significant customer or client base for services and products offered by organisations. Successful companies reflect the diversity of the markets in which they operate.
“It is particularly appropriate that on the same day as this guide is bring launched, the Civil Partnership Bill is going into committee stage in the Dáil. By giving extensive rights and responsibilities to lesbian and gay couples, Civil Partnership will ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for global and multinational companies with diverse employee groups. It is incumbent on all employers to now plan for the implications of this Bill for their employees and work practices in areas such as pension provisions and other workplace benefits.” continued Davin Roche, Director of Workplace Diversity, GLEN.
