Careernet, a talent solutions provider, recently conducted an extensive market study involving LGBTQIA+ candidates and D&I leaders to gain insights into the current ‘State of LGBTQIA+ Hiring in India’. The study sheds light on the prevailing trends, challenges, and work conditions of Indian LGBTQIA+ employees and inclusion policies at the workplace.
According to the findings, 58 per cent of the participants noted a positive change in organisations. These respondents consider their workplace LGBTQIA+ friendly and have allies at the workplace, making them feel secure. The study further showed that among the respondents, 50 per cent of the candidates have been open about their community identity at their workplace and feel their organisation openly embraces and supports the queer community. 69 per cent of the total participants mentioned that their current job is in line with their qualifications. 25 per cent were in a different field with lower pay than their qualifications and experience.
However, individuals from the community feel insecure about voicing their concerns, as they often perceive negative experiences to be marginalised or overlooked. Out of the 60 per cent of LGBTQIA+ employees that faced harassment, 73 per cent did not report the incidents because they felt it was minor or not severe enough. Even though half of the participants feel valued at their work and find it meaningful and constructively challenging, there is a significant shortcoming regarding awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community among co-workers. Currently, only 15-20 per cent of all employees at any given organisation are sensitised on issues related to the community.
According to the study, 43 per cent of leaders highlighted that the retention rate of professionals from the LGBTQIA+ community in their respective organisations exceeds 70 per cent, while an additional 43 per cent reported retaining at least 50 per cent of LGBTQIA+ candidates.
Where various sectors in India have increased diversity hiring efforts, trends indicate that the BFSI sector is the most welcoming of LGBTQIA+ candidates, followed by IT, and Consulting.