Accenture Study Finds While LGBTQ+ Employees Advance, Invisible Fears Remain

LGBTQ+ professionals are now just as likely as non-LGBTQ+ individuals to reach managerial levels at their jobs, be satisfied with their progression and aspire to senior leadership roles. By many basic measures, LGBTQ+ employees are living in a more inclusive world where it is easier for them to succeed professionally. However, a recent Accenture (No. 5 on the 2020 Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list) study revealed that underneath the surface, many LGBTQ+ employees still privately struggle with fears of being their authentic selves on the job. These fears are getting in the way of their potential.

Accenture’s “Visible Growth, Invisible Fears” Pride 2020 study surveyed more than 28,000 employees in organizations across 28 companies to find out in what ways LGBTQ+ workers are succeeding — and feeling held back. Although 37% LGBTQ+ people in the Accenture survey had reached the manager level as opposed to 35% of non-LGBTQ+ people, only 40% of LGBTQ+ respondents said they felt comfortable revealing their gender identities and sexual orientations openly at work.

The Accenture report includes insights from a Human Rights Campaign study and an OutRight Action International report. The data indicates that the LGBTQ+ community is at an increased risk during COVID-19 due to job loss and non-affirming healthcare. The community may experience greater anxiety, fear of stigma and risk of family violence during the pandemic.

Continue reading this and all our content with a Fair360 subscription.

Gain company-wide access to our premium content including our monthly webinars, Meeting in a Box, career advice, best practices, and video interviews with top executives.MembershipsAlready a member? Sign in.

Related

Trending Now

Follow us

Most Popular

Join Our Newsletter

Get the top workplace fairness news delivered straight to your inbox