The ally advantage: why inclusive workplaces succeed

3-minute read

Quick summary: Supporting LGBTQ+ allyship in the workplace is essential for fostering diverse and innovative teams. Inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ employees feel safe and supported lead to greater employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement. This support cultivates a culture of diversity, which drives innovation and competitive advantage for businesses.

Picture this: you just had a beautiful weekend with your family, you went to your child’s soccer game, enjoyed a bonfire at the beach, and toasted smores. Your parents even offered to watch the kids in the evening so you and your partner could enjoy some quiet time.  

When you come to work on Monday, you feel refreshed but, when your coworkers ask about your weekend, you hesitate to share, fearing that being open about your life could jeopardize your career. While these interactions may seem casual, for some LGBTQ+ folks, they can feel alienating. When employees are free to express their identities openly, organizations experience higher engagement at work as well as higher employee retention.  

Workplaces where employees must hide who they are experience lower employee engagement and retention. No one should feel pressured to quit their job just because they can’t be their true selves. In a study by the Human Rights Campaign, nearly ten percent of LGBTQ+ employees reported leaving a job specifically because they were made to feel unwelcome. 

An inclusive environment reduces stress and mental health issues, particularly when workplace conversations extend into personal life. Queer employees who feel supported and accepted are more likely to be engaged, satisfied, and productive at work. By promoting a welcoming environment, organizations can alleviate this stress and promote overall well-being among all employees.

Diverse Teams Enhance Innovation 

Supporting LGBTQ+ allyship in the workplace is essential for fostering a more diverse and innovative team. Inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ employees feel safe and supported lead to greater employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement. This support cultivates a culture of diversity, which drives innovation and competitive advantage for businesses. These organizations not only attract top talent but also benefit from the varied perspectives that fuel creativity and problem-solving. Embracing this diversity is essential for maintaining a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace. 

Enhancing Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty   

Today’s consumers, especially younger folks, want brands that believe in what they campaign. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just a social good, it’s smart business. When you stand up for equality and inclusion, you show the world that you value all your employees and customers.  

By being an ally, you’re attracting a loyal customer base who shares your values. There’s a market of LGBTQ+ consumers with serious buying power of 4.7 trillion globally and 1.4 trillion in the United States alone. Being an ally is more than just a one-time act of changing the company logo to rainbow 30 days a year without action and representation.  

Imagine your brand as a friend – a good friend wouldn’t just show up for a birthday party, right? To be a true ally, you should educate your team about LGBTQ+ issues, partner with organizations that work to create a more equitable world, and, when possible, feature LGBTQ+ perspectives in your messaging. This lets your customers know you’re serious about creating inclusion. That’s a message worth getting behind, and it’s one that will resonate with today’s conscious consumers. 

Kyle Aaserud is a Senior Consultant in Logic20/20’s Strategy & Operations practice.

Martin Sanchez is a Senior Developer in Logic20/20’s Digital Transformation practice.