Talent to change for : LGBT employee research leading the way in diversity : a study on the inclusion of LGBT employees in the Netherlands

K. Zahi, S. Kaur, R. Holzhacker

As the international platform for the inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people at work, Workplace Pride is committed to improving the situation for LGBT people in the workplace. In 2011, as part of its efforts to help employers and their LGBT employees turn this goal into concrete actions, WorkplacePride introduced the Declaration of Amsterdam. Many points of the Declaration,a ten point action plan which includes steps to be taken by employers and LGBTemployees, are currently being addressed; LGBT networks are being set up and the general topic is now on the agenda of employers. In the interest of identifying means to improve workplace environments for LGBT people, Workplace Pride, in cooperation with FNV, conducted this study in 2011 and 2012. The study was carried out through in-depth desk research and the collection of qualitative data, by means of interviews and focus groups. Compared with previous research, this study is unique because it builds on and reflects the experience of employers and employees, in both public and private sector organisations. It defines critical success factors and offers practical recommendations to organisations that seek to create substantive, sustainable and positive change for LGBT employees, as well as benefit the organisation as a whole. In the appendix: I: Interview Questionnaire, II: Focus Group Questionnaire.