Viennese companies focus on LGBTIQ: diversity brings economic benefits!

Viennese companies focus on LGBTIQ: diversity brings economic benefits!

Viennese companies focus on diversity and LGBTIQ inclusion

A current study carried out on behalf of the City of Vienna shows that around 280 Viennese companies are committed to promoting diversity and the inclusion of LGBTIQ people. The study “Diversity Management in the LGBTIQ dimension in Viennese companies” shows that 60% of the companies surveyed have implemented measures to promote diversity, with 38% of the companies specifically committed to the inclusion of LGBTIQ people. That reports meinkreis.at.

Positive effects and challenges

The positive effects of LGBTIQ-friendly measures are obvious. Companies that actively promote LGBTIQ diversity report an improved working atmosphere and higher satisfaction among employees. There are also economic benefits through stronger employee loyalty to the company. The study shows that 57% of companies use external support to develop suitable measures. Despite these advances, it is clear that experiences of discrimination in the work context remain common, resulting in many LGBTIQ people remaining unouted.

What do the politicians say?

The importance of the study was underlined at a press conference, at which local councilor Thomas Weber (NEOS) and local councilor Susanne Haase (SPÖ) spoke, among others. The results make it clear that diversity management is an essential tool for dealing openly with LGBTIQ issues in the professional field. Astrid G. Weinwurm-Wilhelm from Pride Biz Austria also emphasized the need to anchor diversity structurally and to sensitize managers accordingly. presse.wien.gv.at points out that many companies still have room for improvement when it comes to taking gender identity and sexual orientation into account.

Recommendations for action and the status quo

The study also reveals that 23% of committed companies take diversity into account, but do not address aspects such as gender identity or sexual orientation. The most important reasons for this are a supposed lack of need and a lack of awareness of the relevance of these topics. In order to be able to counteract this in a targeted manner, the study authors recommend defining clear responsibility for diversity management in company management and actively involving the workforce. The presentation of the study is also a call to improve the political and social conditions for LGBTIQ people. For more details, see the comprehensive coverage from OTS.

Overall, the study shows that Viennese companies have a good hand when it comes to promoting diversity and LGBTIQ inclusion. A long-term anchoring of these topics could not only further improve the working atmosphere, but also help to sustainably reduce discrimination in the working environment.