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LGBTQ+ History Month is a time for us to reflect on the past and consider what we can be doing to make sure our workplaces are inclusive and supportive moving forwards. Dean is a member of our LGBT+ Network at Sopra Steria and shares his thoughts.


As a gay man, growing up was difficult in many ways. Not knowing why I was "different" but feeling that way impacted my mental health, none of which I realised until I was a lot older. Throughout my school years, I would spend most of my time hiding who I really was; anything that would make me stand out, I would stop doing. This carried on into my teens and early 20s, even though I came out at 15.

 

My own life experiences have always made me very interested in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, our progress and what we have gone through.  

 

The LGBTQIA+ community has a rich and complex history, marked by periods of persecution, discrimination, and struggle for equality. However, despite facing numerous challenges, members of this community have always found ways to come together, form supportive networks, and push for change. A part of this progress for change is how people feel able and supported to be fully themselves at work. But this doesn’t happen by coincidence. Workplaces have to take steps to ensure the work environment is truly inclusive to LGBTQIA+ employees.

 

There are several ways that I believe workplaces can help support LGBTQIA+ colleagues and applicants; these are: 

 

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment: This includes having policies and practices in place that promote equal treatment for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Workplaces can also provide diversity and sensitivity training for employees to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues.

 

Providing benefits and protections: Ensure that all employees, including LGBTQIA+ employees, have access to the same benefits and protections, such as health insurance, parental leave, and protection against discrimination.

 

Supporting LGBTQIA+ employee resource groups: These groups provide a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ employees and can also serve as a resource for the company in its efforts to create a more inclusive work environment.

 

Raising awareness and educating employees: Encourage employees to attend LGBTQIA+-related events, such as pride parades, and provide opportunities for education and dialogue around LGBTQIA+ issues.

 

Challenging and addressing discrimination: Create a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment and provide clear avenues for reporting incidents and seeking support. Take swift action to address any reported incidents and follow up with employees to ensure they feel safe and supported.

 

Overall, creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment for LGBTQIA+ employees requires a sustained commitment from the organisation and ongoing efforts to raise awareness and understanding. If companies ensure that they are actively actioning the above, this will help in the equality fight, not just in the workplace but in society overall. 


Dean with his arms stretched upwards


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Hi there!We’re glad you’ve found us. Hopefully, you’ve arrived here because you’re curious about a career with us here at Sopra Steria – and that’s great, because we love people who are curious, inquisitive, like to challenge the status quo, and above all, want to help shape the world for the better.A little bit about us...Our business is, first and foremost, about people. And it always has been. The solutions we develop are driven by the connections they make and the problems they solve. Our services only matter if they work for people and if they serve a greater purpose. Known for our collaborative approach, we provide consulting and digital services, creating innovative solutions, at scale, to deliver sustainable growth and services that make life better.Our work touches many lives in the UK. 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Our business is, first and foremost, about people. Our services only matter if they work for people and, for us, if they serve a greater purpose too.Our people feel proud to be part of a business whose services and solutions are crucial to the running and wellbeing of the UK. And, in turn, we’re proud to support our people to reach their full potential.From the very beginning, we’ve been conscious of how our business should play a wider role in society and make a positive impact. As we grow, we’re looking for talented and caring people to join us.Watch this to hear Our Story and discover more about who we are, what we do, and, most importantly, why we do it…to make a difference and drive positive change in business and society.The shape of our UK businessOur Sopra Steria family in the UK comprises seven brands.Among those are our Joint Venture businesses. 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