Yahoo Finance Vodafone overhauls recruitment to attract more LGBT+ talent
Vodafone is overhauling its recruitment and human resources procedures to make them more inclusive after research it commissioned showed two fifths of young LGBT+ workers are worried that being out at work could damage their career prospects.
The telecoms firm surveyed more than 3,000 people across 15 countries and several industries and found more than half (58pc) were not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity at work due to fear of suffering discrimination.
Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao, who will stand down later this year, said: "I am saddened that so many young LGBT+ people feel they still have to hide their status in the workplace.”
The problem appears to be particularly acute for those at the start of their careers, with one in three of those surveyed admitting they went “back into the closet” after taking on their first job.
Some respondents to the survey said they were worried being out at work would be too awkward to discuss, while others feared it may make colleagues uncomfortable.
The research, carried out by LGBT workplace consultants Out Now, coincides with Pride celebrations around the world, which traditionally take place in June and July.
Vodafone said it would change the wording of its job adverts to make them more inclusive, overhaul its code of conduct and introduce a “buddying” programme for LGBT+ graduates.
It has also launched induction and leadership programmes for LGBT+ workers and will offer support to managers to help them make their teams more inclusive.
Vodafone’s report follows research by the Institution of Engineering and Technology that found 29pc of young LGBT+ people had opted against a career in those fields out of fear of discrimination.
Mr Colao said: "Training for employees at all levels and visible signs of support through programmes like ours can make a real difference, and help to attract and retain a talented, diverse and productive workforce.”
