What is LGBTQ+?
The acronym "LGBTQ+" stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, plus any other marginalized identities including Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Nonbinary, Two Spirit, etc. These terms refer to people who do not identify exclusively as cisgender heterosexuals; that is, they do not identify with gender norms or expectations commonly associated with their biological sex assigned at birth. People may be attracted to members of the same or different sexes or genders, or they may not have any sexual orientation. Many people also experience gender dysphoria, which means that their psychological identity does not align with their physical appearance.
Workplace Dynamics
The workplace environment can impact LGBTQ+ employees' psychological health, authenticity, and career development. It includes everything from hiring and interview processes to office culture, policies, social events, and management practices. The most common forms of discrimination are exclusionary language, microaggressions, negative attitudes towards diversity, and outright harassment.
A manager could make jokes about homosexuality during a meeting or ask an employee about their partner in front of others. This kind of behavior creates a hostile atmosphere where workers feel uncomfortable expressing themselves authentically.
It contributes to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, and low self-esteem. Workers who are outcast or marginalized may leave their jobs or take less risks in pursuing promotions or opportunities for growth.
Organizational Culture
Organizational culture refers to shared beliefs, values, and norms among all individuals within an organization. If these cultural elements encourage acceptance and inclusivity, then employees can bring their whole selves into the office without fear of repercussions.
If they promote bias or oppression against certain groups, then members may feel uncomfortable expressing themselves freely.
Organizations with a "bro" culture may pressure male workers to conform to masculine stereotypes while shaming those who challenge them. A queer person may feel pressured to hide their identity to fit in, which can lead to stress and feelings of alienation.
Implicit Expectations
Implicit expectations refer to assumptions that people make about how things should be done without articulating them explicitly. They can be based on gender norms, heteronormativity, power dynamics, or other cultural factors. LGBTQ+ employees may experience implicit expectations when interacting with colleagues or supervisors who assume that everyone is cisgender and straight. This assumption can cause frustration and discomfort because it erases their identities, making them invisible or hypervisible (being singled out due to one's difference). It also leads to isolation since workers are unlikely to connect with others who share similar experiences unless they find safe spaces outside of work.
Workplace dynamics, organizational culture, and implicit expectations play a significant role in impacting the psychological health, authenticity, and career development of LGBTQ+ individuals. If you want your organization to thrive, consider creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and supported regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Encourage managers to use inclusive language, implement policies against discrimination, and provide training for all staff on diversity and inclusion issues.
Offer resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and mentorship opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees looking to develop themselves professionally. By doing so, you will create a more productive, fulfilling work environment that attracts top talent from diverse backgrounds!
How do workplace dynamics, organizational culture, and implicit expectations impact LGBTQ+ employees' psychological health, authenticity, and career development?
The workplace can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) employees. The social norms, values, beliefs, and attitudes that pervade an organization's culture can influence how individuals perceive their identities and how they are treated by others.