The article is about how the practice of coming out in the workplace has evolved. Coming out refers to an individual disclosing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or romantic relationship status to others. This has been a common practice since the early days when people were more conservative about it and considered it taboo.
Things have changed nowadays as people become increasingly open about themselves and are willing to share their personal lives. This article discusses how this trend will evolve in hybrid, globalized, and digitally mediated contexts, and its implications for social visibility, support, and equity.
Hybrid workplaces refer to those that allow employees to work remotely from home, while some go into the office to meet with colleagues. The coming out process has become easier because it can be done online through email, chat apps, and video calls. Employees no longer need to come face-to-face with their coworkers to disclose their private lives, which can be nerve-wracking and stressful. They can do so at their convenience without fear of being judged by others. This has improved social visibility as they can express themselves freely without worrying about repercussions.
Globalization has also contributed to increased social visibility. With more people working across borders, companies must cater to diverse cultures and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Employees are free to come out openly without the fear of being rejected or discriminated against based on their identities. Companies are becoming more inclusive and providing equal opportunities regardless of one's background. This has resulted in greater diversity in the workplace, which improves teamwork and creativity.
Digitally mediated contexts have made it possible for companies to communicate with each other and clients worldwide. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide an avenue for sharing personal information online. Individuals can showcase their relationships, including same-sex couples, without fear of negative responses. It is an excellent way to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences.
These advancements have downsides too. Some employers may use social media profiles to judge employees' sexual orientations and gender identities, leading to biased hiring practices. They may also target those who come out publicly and refuse promotions or raises due to discrimination. In some cases, coming out could lead to cyberbullying and harassment from colleagues and customers.
The article concludes that the trend of coming out will evolve positively in hybrid, globalized, and digitally mediated contexts because it improves social visibility, support, and equity.
There is still room for improvement in terms of creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. Policies must be put in place to protect them from discrimination and ensure everyone feels safe.
How will coming out practices in workplaces evolve in hybrid, globalized, and digitally mediated contexts, and what are the implications for social visibility, support, and equity?
The ongoing global pandemic has significantly impacted how individuals communicate with each other and conduct their daily activities, including workplace interactions. The shift towards remote work has made it more challenging for LGBTQ+ employees to come out due to limited opportunities for face-to-face communication and lesser likelihood of disclosure to colleagues.