b'PEOPLE| LEGAL SECTOR| 2021SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTLGBTIQ+ INCLUSIONIntroduction Diversity and inclusion initiatives that visibly acknowledge and support LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace are a feature of an organisation that values a broader culture of inclusion and respect for all employees. Welcoming and including all people based on their potential, ability and contribution, regardless of their personal differences, has become essential to effective, productive, innovative and engaged workforces. The public 2018 national conversation around marriage equality in Australia provided a voice for the LGBTQ community and the opportunity to build a greater community understanding. The result was an improved awareness of the lived experiences of the LGBTQ community and a broader acceptance of our responsibilities to overcome misconceptions, prejudices, and otherwise unconscious biases. At workThe work to improve LGBTQ inclusion the workplace has been underway for many years championed by early adopting organisations and inspirational individuals. In the last 10 years the creation of ACON and the Pride in Diversity program has provided Australia with a consistent and strategic program to support organisations and their and workers to create change in hundreds of organisations Employees who are out at work are more likely to innovate, provide excellent customer/client service, and work highly effectively in their teams. By encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work, organisations see benefits in productivity, talent attraction and retention, and enhanced organisational reputation. In November 2017 the United Nations launched the Standards of Conduct for Business encouraging companies to take five important steps to tackle discrimination against LGBTQ people in the workplace:Respect the rights of LGBTQ through effective policies, due diligence and effective grievance mechanismsEliminate discrimination against LGBTQ employees in the workplace through sensitizing staff and managers, equalizing benefits, and eliminating discrimination from hiring and workplace practicesSupport your LGBTQ employees at workby creating an affirming, inclusive environment for LGBTQ employees, and supporting LGBTQ staff groupsPrevent discrimination and related violations against LGBTQ suppliers, distributors or customers by using leverage to insist that business partners also uphold equality andAct in the public domain through standing up for LGBTQ people in everywhere you do businessAustralian Workplace Equality Index illustrates that many individuals and some parts of the LGBTQ community are experiencing higher levels of acceptance in the workplace. This has enabled leading organisations to shift their focus to under-represented members of the communityin particular bisexual, trans and gender diverse, and intersex employees. A number of organisations now offer more specific support to employees transitioning in the workplace, including the ability to provide employees who are undergoing any kind of gender affirmation appropriate and necessary time away from work.FORMAL POLICY PUBLISHED POLICYPOLICYPUBLISHEDYes 84% No 16% Yes 58% No 42%34'