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The second annual survey conducted by the industry-wide LGBTQ+ network Pride in Energy has found 14% of respondents have witnessed or experienced discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation over the past year – up from 10% in 2021.
According to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), which released the results, much of this discrimination was focused on gender diversity.
The survey also showed a disparity between peoples’ perceptions of their own company and the wider industry, with 90% of respondents considering their employer to provide an inclusive environment – rating it 6/10 or above – compared to just 57% thinking the same of the wider sector.
The ENA said this negative perception of the industry could hinder career mobility for those affected.
With regards to role models, 39% of respondents reported seeing visible allies in their company’s executive and senior leadership roles, whilst 40% reported being aware of LGBTQ+ managers. However, 23% said they saw neither allies nor LGBTQ+ people visible in senior roles.
Anecdotal feedback coalesced around three key themes: that the overall trend of LGBTQ+ inclusion is a positive one but there is progress yet to be made; that companies with operations in countries with homophobic discrimination allowed by law face unique challenges in driving diversity and inclusion; and that customers have not been accepting of front-line staff from a number of different demographics, including LGBTQ+.
Joshua Atkins, founder and chair of Pride in Energy said: “This year’s research shows significant positive improvement in some areas but a disappointing drop in others.
“We’re seeing spill-over from a wider societal growth in LGBTQ+ discrimination into the workplace, making it incumbent for all of us as organisations and individuals to make the working environment as inclusive as possible.
“The sector is facing unprecedented challenges and needs all its employees to be bringing their best to the workplace to deliver for consumer and climate alike.”
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