Sexual identity is an essential part of one's life that impacts all aspects of life, including work.
Many LGBTQ+ employees have reported experiencing various forms of workplace discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which has long-term consequences for their careers and emotional well-being. This article discusses the negative mental health effects of subtle and overt workplace discrimination on these individuals' career progression and self-esteem.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination refers to unfair treatment towards people based on specific characteristics such as race, religion, disability, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, military service, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It can take various forms, from verbal abuse to exclusion, harassment, denial of promotion opportunities, termination, and other actions that violate employment laws. According to the American Psychological Association, workplace discrimination affects more than 70% of LGBTQ+ employees in some way during their lifetime.
The Impact of Subtle Workplace Discrimination
Subtle workplace discrimination involves microaggressions, stereotypes, and unconscious biases that result in adverse experiences.
A manager may consistently use homophobic jokes or comments without realizing it, leading to stress and anxiety in an employee who belongs to the LGBTQ+ community. A colleague might exclude someone from meetings or conversations due to their perceived sexuality or gender identity, making them feel isolated and invisible at work. These small but significant acts can lead to depression, low self-esteem, reduced motivation, and job satisfaction.
The Effects of Overt Workplace Discrimination
Overt workplace discrimination is blatant discriminatory behavior that targets individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes overtly sexist remarks, physical assaults, and denial of promotions based on one's sexuality or gender identity. This form of discrimination has severe consequences for the mental health of LGBTQ+ employees. They experience high levels of emotional distress, social isolation, and anxiety, which negatively impact their performance at work.
Career Progression
Workplace discrimination can hinder career progression by limiting opportunities for advancement and development.
A company may not offer training programs or leadership roles to LGBTQ+ employees because they are perceived as less committed or competent than heterosexual peers. It leads to missed opportunities for promotion, pay raises, and other benefits essential for professional growth. The constant fear of being fired due to one's sexual orientation or gender identity also creates a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about the future.
Self-Esteem
Subtle and overt workplace discrimination can cause self-esteem issues among LGBTQ+ employees. They may feel inferior, unworthy, or less capable compared to their heterosexual colleagues. They might question their abilities, talents, or value to the organization, leading to low confidence and self-doubt.
It results in reduced productivity, motivation, and engagement at work, affecting their job satisfaction and personal life.
Subtle and overt workplace discrimination have long-term effects on LGBTQ+ employees' careers and self-esteem. These individuals face challenges that go beyond sexuality, including stress, anxiety, depression, missed opportunities, and low self-esteem. Companies need to create an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Organizations should provide training, policies, and support groups to address these issues and promote diversity and inclusion.
What are the long-term mental health effects of subtle and overt workplace discrimination on LGBTQ+ employees' career progression and self-esteem?
The research shows that both subtle and overt workplace discrimination negatively affect the career progression and self-esteem of LGBTQ+ employees. Subtle forms of discrimination can include microaggressions, such as being misgendered or deadnamed by colleagues, while overt forms can involve more blatant acts like being fired for one's sexual orientation or gender identity.