Sexual orientation and gender identity goes beyond travel policies and programmes. It is an organisation’s Duty of Care to adequately prepare its workforce for foreseeable health and travel security risks, including the specific risks faced by members of their LGBTQ+ workforce.
With this in mind, how can you make sure that your LGBTQ+ staff will be suitably supported when away, and that your diversity policy will be upheld? Is it safe to be open about sexual orientation in a particular destination? Is this a subject that you are empowered to support? The risks faced by your LGBTQ+ workforce may vary based on the destinations to which they travel, and may be influenced by factors including the legal status and levels of social tolerance of LGBTQ+ self-identification and relationships.
Like any personal characteristic, sexual orientation and gender identity are part of your personnel's risk profiles. To protect your people, it is important to understand the profile-specific risks and put in place processes to mitigate them. Here are six steps that organisations can follow to create a mobile workforce inclusive of all orientations, without exposing travellers to unnecessary risk:
1. Understand the Challenges
In certain countries, same-sex activities are illegal, which can put LGBTQ+ staff at risk of harassment by the authorities. An absence of anti-discrimination laws might also result in refusal of accommodation based on self-identification of sexual orientation or profile of the same-sex travel companions. Transgender and people in transition face extra challenges, such as possibly being denied access to gender-assigned services and/or facilities. On top of the legal barriers, there are some factors organisations need to be aware of, such as societal attitudes, hate crime rates, and recent protests against advancements in legal equality.
2. Include LGBTQ+ Specific Considerations in your Mobility Policies
Factor in destination-specific challenges when providing travellers with options for suitable logistics – transport and lodging, Take into account any immigration considerations that might have an impact. Allow for travellers to opt out or refuse a trip or an assignment without repercussions if they do not feel comfortable with the destination. At all times, preserve the right to anonymity.
