This article is about how workplace discrimination can have a negative impact on queer employees' identity coherence, career progression, and mental health. It explores how these factors are interrelated and suggests ways that future organizational culture could be developed to foster thriving instead of just inclusion.
Identity Coherence
Identity coherence refers to the consistency between one's internal sense of self and their external persona. For queer individuals, this means that they may experience conflicting feelings regarding their gender expression, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identities due to societal pressures and expectations. These conflicts can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. When faced with discrimination in the workplace based on their sexuality or gender expression, queer employees may feel even more pressure to hide or suppress their true selves. This can further undermine their identity coherence, leading to increased stress and decreased wellbeing.
Career Progression
Workplace discrimination can also impact queer employees' career progression. If they face biases based on their sexuality or gender identity, they may struggle to advance within an organization. They may be passed over for promotions, denied access to training opportunities, or receive lower salaries than their non-queer counterparts. This can create a cycle of marginalization, where queer individuals are continually pushed to the sidelines and unable to fully realize their potential in their careers. This can have long-term consequences for both the individual and society as a whole, as we miss out on the contributions of talented and skilled people simply because of their identity.
Psychological Wellbeing
Workplace discrimination can have a significant impact on queer employees' psychological wellbeing. The constant stress of hiding one's true self, experiencing prejudice, and feeling excluded from the larger group can take a toll on mental health. Queer individuals may experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma than their non-queer counterparts. They may also develop coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or avoidance behaviors that can further compromise their wellbeing. In addition, workplace discrimination can lead to physical health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease due to chronic stress.
Evolving Organizational Cultures
To combat these negative effects, future organizational cultures need to prioritize thriving rather than just inclusion. Thriving means creating an environment where all employees feel valued, supported, and able to bring their full selves to work. This includes providing resources such as mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and support networks for LGBTQ+ employees. It also requires promoting an inclusive culture that values diversity and celebrates differences. By fostering thriving, organizations can create a more productive and innovative workforce while also supporting the wellbeing of their employees.
Workplace discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity has far-reaching consequences for queer employees. It undermines identity coherence, career progression, and psychological wellbeing. To create a better future, organizations must prioritize thriving over mere inclusion by implementing policies, practices, and cultures that value diversity and support all employees.