TIDMVOD
Vodafone Group Plc
04 July 2018
Embargoed: 07.00 BST, 4 July 2018
41% of LGBT+ people go 'back in the closet' in first job
finds independent multi-industry study across 15 countries
Vodafone launches multi-country programme to help attract and
support LGBT+ talent
More than half (58%) of young LGBT+ people are not open about
their sexual orientation or gender identity at work because they
worry they will face discrimination from managers and colleagues,
with 1 in 3 (31%) LGBT+ people admitting they went 'back into the
closet' when they started their first job. This figure rises to 41%
among 18-25 year olds.
New international research, commissioned by Vodafone from
research firm Out Now surveyed more than 3,0001 LGBT+ young people
across 15 countries and multiple industries, has found that the
reasons young LGBT+ people feel unable to be out or open at work
include: worrying that colleagues will react negatively (60%);
fearing their career prospects will be worse (42%); and feeling
they will be less likely to get promoted (33%). Many of those
surveyed said that not being open about their LGBT+ status had
negative repercussions, with nearly one third (28%) saying they had
been less productive at work as a result.
The Vodafone/Out Now research also found that over half (51%) of
those surveyed said that they were 'not out at all' to their direct
manager in their first job, and 37% were not out at all to their
colleagues. These figures fall to 13% and 8% respectively in their
current jobs, highlighting the need for more support when young
people first start work.
This extensive research, along with insights gathered from
current LGBT+ employees at Vodafone, has informed a new
multi-country programme at Vodafone 'LGBT+ and Friends Connect',
which is aimed at hiring and supporting LGBT+ people in their first
jobs and providing training for managers.
Other findings from the research included:
-- 1 in 5 (21%) said that being out or open at work is the 'hardest thing they've done'
-- Three quarters (76%) of LGBT+ employees have hidden their
sexual orientation or gender identity at work at least once.
-- Only 29% of LGBT+ women aged 18-35 are out at work today
compared with 44% of men, for fear of discrimination.
-- 83% said that clear and visible signs from managers that they
take LGBT+ inclusion seriously are important in helping them to
feel comfortable to be out or open at work.
-- 83% would prefer to work for an employer that has visible
LGBT+ leaders, and LGBT+ friends, allies and supporters.
To help create a culture where employees can be open about their
sexual orientation and gender identity, Vodafone is launching:
- LGBT+ inclusive messaging on Vodafone job adverts and career
channels
- A global 'buddying' programme for LGBT+ graduates;
- A refreshed Code of Conduct which will support LGBT+
inclusivity;
- Graduate, induction and leadership training programmes to
support, retain and help attract LGBT+ employees;
- Toolkit for managers to create an LGBT+ inclusive workplace
and
- An interactive learning programme for ally accreditation.
Vodafone Group Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said:
"I am saddened that so many young LGBT+ people feel they still
have to hide their status in the workplace. We are committed to
creating a culture at Vodafone that embraces everyone for who they
are, inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.
"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. The programme offers specific support for people
starting their first job, which our research shows can be a
particularly challenging experience for young LGBT+ people. We are
also encouraging all employees to educate themselves and support
LGBT+ colleagues to help create a truly inclusive workplace."
Vodafone has a zero tolerance stance on homophobic, biphobic and
transphobic discrimination, and works closely with leading
diversity and inclusion NGOs on the development of materials and
programmes for each of its local and international initiatives.
Full set of survey results available to download here.
Video and infographics available to download here.
- ends -
Vodafone Group
Media Relations Investor Relations
www.vodafone.com/media/contact Telephone: +44 (0) 7919 990 230
About Vodafone
Vodafone Group is one of the world's largest telecommunications
companies and provides a range of services including voice,
messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone Group has mobile
operations in 25 countries, partners with mobile networks in 46
more, and fixed broadband operations in 18 markets. As of 31 March
2018, Vodafone Group had 535.8 million mobile customers and 19.7
million fixed broadband customers, including India and all of the
customers in Vodafone's joint ventures and associates. For more
information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.
About Out Now
Out Now focuses on addressing the many important issues faced by
LGBT+ people - and the allies who support them. Established in
1992, Out Now is now in its 27th year of delivering leading-edge
insights and business solutions to better understand and meet the
needs of LGBT+ people.
The firm's corporate mantra is 'LGBT spells people' which
recognises that what matters most to LGBT+ people is not marketing,
research or PR, but actual understanding and practical solutions
that are able to assist LGBT+ people to live better lives, enjoying
equal standing and respect - all over the world. Out Now provides
specialist award-winning communications, strategy, education,
training and reseach services.
1 Out Now research conducted among 3,200 18-35 year olds in
Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland,
Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, South Africa,
Spain, Turkey, UK.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
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