Following the success of similar rankings in other countries, GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) have announced details of a survey to discover the best places to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality in Ireland.

The group announced the launch of the GLEN Workplace Equality Index last week with a press event in Dublin.

The organization’s Eimear O’Reilly, Programme Officer Workplace Diversity, told to GSN that GLEN had received interest from, ‘a range of leading public and private sector employers’, since the announcement.

Attending the event were representatives from companies that, in total, employ over half a million people in the country: approximately 25% of Ireland’s workforce.

Research commissioned by GLEN has found 30% of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees experienced harassment at work and over 10% reported leaving a job because of discrimination.

‘There are many companies who fall into that category where there is little or no visibility of LGBT staff,’ Davin Roche, GLEN’s Director of Workplace Diversity, told the Irish Independent.

‘This sends a negative message to either current LGBT employees or potential LGBT employees that there isn’t a culture that is inclusive.’

The launch of the index had the backing of technology giant, IBM.

‘IBM wholeheartedly endorses the value of the Workplace Equality Index,’ said Peter O’Neill, Managing Director, IBM Ireland. ‘It allows participating organizations to get an independent assessment of their LGBT diversity policies and practices. It provides us with an incentive to improve and demonstrates that diversity is vital to our success.’

Companies wishing to be considered for the Index can find out more details at www.workplaceequality.ie

Entry is free, and submissions will take the form of a detailed questionnaire that asks for examples and evidences of LGBT Visibility, diversity culture and other factors.

In addition, participating employers will be asked to nominate those people within their organization that are driving LGBT equality and inclusion at work, in such categories as ‘Ally of the Year’ and ‘LGBT Inclusion Champion of the Year’.

The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2015, and the full Index will be revealed on 22 September 2015.

‘Participating in the Workplace Equality Index will allow employers in Ireland to align its equality, diversity and inclusion standards internationally and drives best practice in the workplace year on year,’ said O’Reilly.

‘The Workplace Equality Index gives public and private sector employers recognition for their achievements and sends a strong signal to their staff, clients, customers and service users that their organization is committed to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and inclusion.’

Employment discrimination has been outlawed in Ireland since 1998, but in other areas, the country’s laws have some way to go in offering full LGBT equality. The country will be holding a public referendum on same-sex marriage in May, while legislation allowing the legal recognition of those who change gender is still pending.