Our core values in twoday are Heart, Drive and Adaptability. We want to live by our values and create an inclusive culture so that all of our colleagues can have a sense of belonging and feel like they can be their true selves when working with us.
That’s why, at the beginning of Pride Month in Finland, we wanted to ask our workplace’s LGBTQIA+ community about their experiences in work life and how to improve things in workplaces. Here’s what people wanted us to know.
“How do you feel being part of the LGBTQIA+ community in work life?”
In general, people replied, that sexual orientation or gender hasn't affected their work life.
“In this workplace, I feel safe being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I haven't necessarily had to "come out", but if my sexual orientation has ever come up as a part of the conversation, people haven't pointed that out and I think that is the best thing.”
“In the most positive way, people don't care about my sexual orientation. That fact about me doesn't affect my relationships with my colleagues or my work.”
“I feel safe here and I can be my true self, no matter what.”
“Do you have good examples of inclusivity in workplaces you’ve had?”
In an inclusive and safe workplace, everyone knows how to behave, what can be said, and what they can make jokes about.
“I think the best example of inclusivity in this workplace is that I haven't heard anybody say anything inappropriate about the LGBTQIA+ community or LGBTQIA+ subjects. If these subjects have ever come up in coffee room conversations, people seem to comment or react in a positive/supportive (or neutral) way.”
“The best thing is that people are tolerant and polite and won’t make bad jokes about the topic. And if something like that comes up, I think it would be handled appropriately.”
Also, the importance of Pride Month was raised: “During a pride month, it’s always a nice feeling to see your own workplace remind the LGBTQIA+ employees they are safe to be who they are without it affecting everyday (work)life.”
“What kind of changes you would like to see companies make improving inclusivity?”
There’s always something you can do better and it’s important to take real actions instead of “rainbow washing”. Responders highlighted in their replies, that standing behind the values and educating people are the keys to companies improving inclusivity.
“I hope everyone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and is our ally can feel the same way in every workplace as I feel in this workplace. I'd like to see companies during Pride Month making it clearer for their own employees, customers etc. that the company is safe and supportive of LGBTQIA+ people more than trying to "rainbow wash" their image without really being tolerant towards the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Companies where inclusivity is not great, could implement some rules, and then enforce those rules. In the end, inclusivity is in the people, not the companies.”
“Companies should educate their employees and customers about their values and that discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. That way workplaces would be safer for everyone, not just the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“What can we all do as individuals to make workplaces more inclusive and safer for everyone?”
As individuals in the workplace, it’s important to us to make sure everyone feels included and heard and act if something inappropriate happens.
“Not tolerating inappropriate behaviour towards anybody and making it very clear to everybody. Letting everybody be seen and heard in a supportive way if needed.”
“By acting like normal people. Most of the people in minorities don't want special treatment, even if it is "positive". We want to be treated like everyone else and feel like we are part of the team.”
“Just let everybody be who they are and love who they love. And of course, act if you see any kind of discrimination or bad behaviour towards LGBTQIA+ people. Or towards anyone, really.”
Happy Pride everyone!