Let’s discuss Workplace Culture

We're all familiar with that sensation when stepping into a new workplace—the immediate sense of connection, thinking, "Yes, this feels right!" or the apprehension of realising, "Uh oh, I might not fit in here."

I've experienced both scenarios, one being incredibly uplifting, the other all-encompassing. It could be influenced by our attire, communication style, disabilities, sexual orientation, internal anxieties, hobbies outside of work, age, and more.

Discovering a workplace with the right culture for you is crucial, regardless of your position in the hierarchy; it stays with you throughout your entire career. Workplace happiness matters!

The LGBTQ community has seen substantial progress over the past two decades. Many companies now openly support LGBTQ employment, appointing diversity and inclusion officers, sponsoring LGBTQ events, and adapting recruitment processes to ensure inclusivity.

How can we create a positive culture in our business? The key is education. Educating both employees and ourselves on the importance of not only having an inclusive workplace but being inclusive as individuals sets the foundation.

Hiring individuals who align with the company's mission statements forges a positive path from the very beginning. Communication is key—regularly and openly convey expectations and company values. Embrace diversity in the workplace! Creation and innovation comes from lots of different views and walks of life, celebrate different personalities within your workplace. By allowing employees to be themselves you will see growth, empowerment, and loyalty within the culture of your business.

Most importantly, encourage openness, honesty, and humour in the workplace. It can’t all be all work and no play. Let employees have FUN, let them laugh, invest in the office décor, do some team building activities. We’re human beings, its proven that laughter and positive interactions lowers stress levels…less stress, more happiness- we could all use more of that.

We all want to be supportive employers. We want to nurture our staff, we want them to feel valued, we want them to see growth from being part of our companies, both professionally and personally. Compassion, approachability, understanding, and listening to employees' needs are all extremely important.

Although the support for inclusion of the LGBTQ community has made a lot of progress, there’s much, much more to be made. Individuals shouldn’t be defined by their sexuality in, or out of the workplace.

Let’s continue to champion the importance of diversity and inclusion within our businesses.