Vodafone launches inclusivity programme for LGBT+ employees

Vodafone announced the launch of a multi-country programme to help attract and support LGBT+ talent on Wednesday, following research suggesting 58% of young LGBT+ people were not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity at work because they worried about facing discrimination from managers and colleagues.

It also found that 31% of LGBT+ people went 'back into the closet' when they started their first job, with the figure rising to 41% among 18-25 year olds.

The FTSE 100 telco giant said the new international research, which it commissioned from research firm Out Now, surveyed more than 3,0001 LGBT+ young people across 15 countries and multiple industries.

It found that the reasons young LGBT+ people felt unable to be out or open at work included worrying that colleagues would react negatively at 60%; fearing their career prospects would be worse at 42%; and feeling they would be less likely to get promoted at 33%.

Many of those surveyed said that not being open about their LGBT+ status had negative repercussions, with 28% saying they had been less productive at work as a result.

The research also found that 51% of those surveyed said that they were 'not out at all' to their direct manager in their first job, and 37% were not out at all to their colleagues.

Those figures fell to 13% and 8% respectively in current jobs, which Vodafone said highlighted the need for more support when young people first start work.

It said the “extensive” research, along with insights gathered from current LGBT+ employees at Vodafone, had informed a new multi-country programme at Vodafone - 'LGBT+ and Friends Connect' - which it said was aimed at hiring and supporting LGBT+ people in their first jobs and providing training for managers.

Vodafone explained that, to help create a culture where employees could be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity, it was launching LGBT+ inclusive messaging on Vodafone job adverts and career channels; a global 'buddying' programme for LGBT+ graduates; and a refreshed code of conduct which would support LGBT+ inclusivity.

The programme would also include graduate, induction and leadership training programmes to support, retain and help attract LGBT+ employees; a toolkit for managers to create an LGBT+ inclusive workplace; and an interactive learning programme for ally accreditation.

It was not made clear whether the programme would be rolled out across Vodafone's global network, given it has operations or partnerships in a number of countries where homosexuality is still outlawed (Kuwait, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Cameroon, India), de facto illegal (Egypt, Libya), or where LGBT+ people still face state-encouraged discrimination (Russia).

“I am saddened that so many young LGBT+ people feel they still have to hide their status in the workplace,” said Vodafone Group chief executive Vittorio Colao.

“We are committed to creating a culture at Vodafone that embraces everyone for who they are, inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.”

Colao said training for employees at all levels and visible signs of support through such programmes could make a “real difference”, and help to attract and retain a talented, diverse and productive workforce.

“The programme offers specific support for people starting their first job, which our research shows can be a particularly challenging experience for young LGBT+ people.

“We are also encouraging all employees to educate themselves and support LGBT+ colleagues to help create a truly inclusive workplace.”

Vodafone added that it has a zero tolerance stance on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic discrimination, and worked closely with “leading diversity and inclusion” NGOs on the development of materials and programmes for each of its local and international initiatives.