How to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in the PR workplace

As a member of the public relations industry, you no doubt understand the importance of having a happy and supported team when it comes to sending the right message to clients and creating a strong brand reputation. There are a number of ways to care for the wellbeing of your employees, from paying a living wage to providing ample paid time off and a variety of other perks. But one important factor you may not have considered is promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in your workplace. 

A diverse workplace that promotes inclusivity is important for your workers and business for a number of reasons, from helping your current staff feel comfortable in the office to attracting even more hardworking and motivated employees with your inclusive company culture. Plus, the number of those in the PR industry who identify as LGBTQIA+ is rising, so showing your support for the community is sure to be noticed and appreciated by others in the sector. 

While you’re no doubt already treating LGBTQIA+ employees with kindness and respect, there are a number of ways you can go even further to ensure you’re providing all workers with the support they deserve. If you’re looking for some inspiration, use the advice below to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in your PR workplace.

Use inclusive language 

Every PR expert understands the importance of the language we use. So why not put this into practice in your own workplace by being more mindful of the language you and your team use? Many of us use less inclusive language without even realising, such as by asking a colleague about their husband or wife, instead of a gender-neutral term like spouse or partner. By opting for more inclusive language you can make sure everyone can take part in the conversation and make all your employees feel included and respected. 

Another great way to be more inclusive with your language is to lead by example and introduce yourself with your pronouns. You can use them in your email signature, introduce yourself to new employees with them, and even introduce yourself with them in meetings with clients. You can also tell others to share theirs if they would like to, but avoid pushing for this. While your intention may be good, some may not yet feel comfortable enough to share their true pronouns, or may still be trying to figure them out. 

Offer a relaxation room 

In the busy world of public relations, everyone can do with an area of the office where they can relax once in a while! But a quiet and private relaxation space may be particularly welcome for some of your LGBTQIA+ employees. For workers in the process of transitioning, physical side effects of this change, like headaches and fatigue, can sometimes take a toll. Having a calm and chilled out room for taking a few minutes can really help with these physical side effects. 

A room for quiet and relaxation may also be welcomed by those struggling with their mental health. From dealing with societal discrimination to anxiety over sharing their identity with loved ones, there are a number of specific challenges your LGBTQIA+ employees might face which may impact their mental health. And between dealing with clients and journalists, it can be hard to catch a minute for yourself in PR, which is often what we need most when we’re struggling. So make sure your employees know that they can take a break when they need to, and provide them with the right space to do so.

Consider unisex toilets 

Something that you may not need to even consider can have a huge impact on your employees. While a lot of us won’t think twice about which toilet to use, choosing a gendered bathroom is an impossible task for employees who are non-binary. It can also be difficult for some in the middle of transitioning as they may not know where they feel most comfortable yet. So, it’s definitely worth opting for an office with unisex toilet options, if you haven’t already. You can also make sure all your staff are catered for by offering the same hygiene facilities, such as sanitary disposal equipment and products, in all of your office bathrooms. 

Support LGBTQIA+ charities 

To truly show both your employees and the world that you are supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s a great idea to put your money where your mouth is and make a donation to a LGBTQIA+ charity. If you are unsure which one to choose, you can put together a shortlist and put it to a vote amongst your employees so that everyone gets a say. 

It may be the case that your company doesn’t have the money to spare right now, but don’t worry as this doesn’t have to stop you giving back! You can offer up your PR knowledge for the good of the community by offering your services to your chosen charity for free. PR can play a crucial role in growing and supporting a charity, helping them not just with a short-term cash injection but with their long-term strategy by providing them with the knowledge they need to thrive. 

Create a written policy

Planning on promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in your PR workplace is a great intention to have and is sure to be appreciated by your employees. But it can be easy to let these plans slip to the wayside without committing to them on paper. Having a physical copy of your intentions sets them in stone and shows your staff that you are serious about improving your workplace. Putting your ideas onto paper can also show current and potential clients the values of your PR firm, which is important when building a relationship with them going forward. 

So, commit to your intentions by creating your own inclusivity charter. In this document, you can set a variety of goals designed to help and show support to LGBTQIA+ workers, as well as employees of other marginalised groups. These can be general values, such as treating workers of every sexuality, gender, and background with dignity and respect, as well as more specific targets, such as by committing to support a set amount of LGBTQIA+ charities each year. 

Creating a supportive and comfortable working environment is vital for the wellbeing of your staff and the success of your PR company. By using the advice above, you can promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in your business to show your hardworking employees the support and respect they deserve. 

Sally Evans Director of Operations at Making Moves