Authenticity in the workplace

- Have you ever heard someone say, "It's not appropriate to bring your sexual orientation to work. That should stay at home," and not know how to respond? Let's talk about being out and authentic at work, and why it matters. Studies have shown that when LGBTQ+ employees can bring their authentic selves to work, they feel more connected to their colleagues, are more productive at their jobs, and have increased workplace satisfaction, which improves employee retention rates. Companies that have implemented policies specifically supporting LGBTQ+ employees have a higher company value, increased productivity, and higher profits. Creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees is good for business. So let's define what being out in the workplace as an LGBTQ+ employee means. Many people confuse sexual orientation with sexual behaviors. The first one, sexual orientation, comes to work with us. The second one, sexual behaviors, do not. Here's an example of what I mean. Being out at work means that your LGBTQ+ employees feel safe and comfortable, bringing their partner to the company holiday party, or placing a photo of their family on their desk just like everyone else. Being out at work doesn't mean that your LGBTQ+ employees will be talking with their coworkers in the lunchroom about the great new sexual position they just discovered with their partner. Talking about sexual behaviors in the workplace isn't appropriate for anyone. The reality is that our sexual orientation, whether we're straight or gay, is part of who we are, and it comes with us everywhere. The idea that we could leave it at home when we go to work is absurd. Can you imagine an employer ever saying to an employee, "Being Jewish has nothing to do with work? Can you leave that part of yourself at home?" People can't leave the fact that they're Jewish at home, and they can't leave the fact that they're gay at home either. The only thing they can do is hide these parts of themselves if they feel unsupported or unsafe at work. A gay man may switch identity words and pronouns when he refers to his husband at work. For example, "My wife has to work on Friday night. She'll be unable to attend the office party." But he's still a gay man at work. If an employee feels unsafe letting others at work know that they're gay or Jewish, then they're likely to be guarded in their language. They're less likely to make connections with coworkers, and energy that should be spent on work is focused instead on hiding those parts of themselves, making them less productive. Now that you know the negative consequences of someone having to hide who they are at work, how would you respond to a coworker who says, "It's not appropriate to bring your sexual orientation to the workplace."