How to Build LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces: A Psychological Approach

Bringing together the latest research with practical insights from the authors’ professional experience, this important book provides a context for the conversations that are needed within organisations and offers practical guidance towards action that can be taken to improve the working life of LGBTQ+ employees.

The book begins by asking how we got here. It outlines the development of stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community from both a historical and psychological perspective before going on to explore the ways in which societal attitudes manifest in the work environment. It then looks specifically at LGBTQ+ experiences in the workplace, covering discrimination and exclusion and their impact at both an individual and organisational level before taking an intersectional view of LGBTQ+ identity, and particularly how it interacts with race, disability and age. The book then provides clear and practical guidance on how to build an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace, covering organisational policy and culture, leadership and allyship. Throughout, the authors use case studies to demonstrate how to implement policies across a range of regions and offer strategies to minimise homophobic and discriminatory attitudes.

Taking a psychological approach to this important topic, the book is essential reading for all those looking to build and sustain welcoming and inclusive workplaces across all sectors. It will also be of interest to students in psychology, management and human resources studying workplace attitudes and culture.

Binna Kandola is co-founder and Senior Partner at Pearn Kandola, a practice of Business Psychologists. He is Visiting Professor at Leeds University Business School, UK, and has spent over 40 years researching diversity, inclusion and bias in the workplace. As a practitioner, he has worked with some of the world’s leading organisations, including American Express, Microsoft, NATO and the World Bank. He has been on the Asian Power List for the last five years.

Ashley Williams is a Business Psychologist who specialises in LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion within organisations. Ashley’s PhD research explored the impact of stereotypes on career experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals. During this time, she attended international research summer schools and presented her research at conferences in the UK and across Europe.