Unfamiliar Territory: Sex Orientation

Overlooking sexual orientation issues in the workplace can be bad for business.

To establish a safe and supportive workplace environment, sexual orientation must be included as a component of diversity management. But addressing harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation can be challenging for even the most experienced managers and policy makers.

For some people, sexual orientation issues can evoke deep feelings about relationships, ethics, morality and religious beliefs. Issues such as HIV status, which are often linked to homosexuality in the public mind, can add to the challenge.

However these issues are a reality in the Canadian workplace. Overlooking them can result in negative public perceptions, decreased profitability, organizational liability, reduced productivity and poor employee morale. Our experienced consultants can help your organization enhance diversity management initiatives with consulting and education programs.

A work environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all employees results in positive performance.

Integrated Workplace Solutions offers consulting and training to help organizations establish a safe, supportive, diverse and healthy workplace.

Making the Case: We can help you make the business case for addressing sexual orientation issues in the workplace to:

• Create sustainable change through policy enhancement, development and implementation
• Make the connection between lost productivity and discrimination based on sexual orientation
• Engage key stakeholders
• Assess the organization culture, workplace productivity and organizational costs
• Understand the implications of extending same-sex employee benefits

Training: Our training programs provide your management with the knowledge and skills needed to create and communicate change. The programs are custom tailored to meet your specific organizational needs when addressing sexual orientation as an element of workplace diversity.

Some examples:

• But I thought it was none of my business! Understanding Homosexuality to Create a Contextual Framework
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Sexual Orientation as a Diversity Factor
• Sexual Orientation 101 - The Power of Facts and Myths
• It's the Law! Employer and Employee responsibilities and liabilities

Train the Trainer: These specialized training programs are designed for internal consultants and professional development specialists.

Top