NEW DELHI: Three multinationals — IBM, Goldman Sachs and Google — and a not-for profit organisation have embarked on a mission to convince Corporate India of the business case for addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.



The three MNCs and Community Business, which specialises in corporate social responsibility, have come together to launch an LGBT resource guide for India Inc.



Titled, ‘Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees in India’, the guide highlights the business case for addressing the needs of LGBT employees and provides the cultural and legal context for LGBT issues in India.



As a practical resource, it also provides a set of recommendations on what companies can do to create inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees and includes a number of examples of good practice.



Unlike LGBT inclusion, the need to embrace diversity in terms of promoting greater gender equality in the workplace and ensuring greater opportunities for under-represented and marginalised groups is better understood by Corporate India.



Leading companies — both large local ones and Western multinationals operating in India — are beginning to recognise the business benefits, too: the direct link that diverse teams and inclusive work environments can have on productivity and performance.

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However, the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity has largely been overlooked. The subject has been regarded by many to have no place for discussion in the workplace and it has been shrouded in taboo and stigma. Companies, too, have steered away from including this on their corporate diversity agenda.



“In compiling this report, we recognise the sensitivities and complexities involved,” says Kate Vernon, co-author of the report and managing director of Community Business.



“However, with changes in legislation and the emergence of a more visible LGBT community, not just in India but across Asia, we believe companies need to address this issue.”



The intention with regards to shining a light on the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity and its relevance as a workplace issue, she adds, is to provoke a new conversation and encourage more open dialogue on this.



In gathering the content for this publication, Community Business has started an advisory group, including the Indian LGBT advocacy group Mingle and local LGBT experts.



Community Business also engaged with local stakeholders in India to gain insight into some of the key issues for LGBT employees in India, particularly with regard to workplace challenges and what action can be taken by employers to create more inclusive workplaces.



“We know, both anecdotally and from our own research, that LGBT individuals in India face discrimination and challenges in many aspects of their lives — including in the workplace,” said Kevin Burns, coauthor of the report and project manager at Community Business.



“Our view is that companies have a critical role to play in creating workplace environments that are safe and open — and that it makes sound business sense for them to do so. After all, if people feel they can bring their whole selves to work they will be happier and more productive. This resource guide is designed to both educate companies about the Indian context as well as give some clear recommendations on how they (the companies) can go about following the guide.”



IBM, Goldman Sachs and Google are the key drivers behind this initiative. Says Vanitha Narayanan, executive sponsor for LGBT (India/South Asia) and managing partner of IBM Global Business Services: “Creating a culture where LGBT employees are valued, empowered to think freely and encouraged to express themselves fully, frees our colleagues to think creatively, producing dramatic and innovative outcomes for our clients.



By working together to produce this LGBT Resource Guide for Employers we hope to encourage more companies to review their workplace policies and practices and drive positive change for the LGBT community in India.”



“It is crucial for India as an emerging economy to fully explore the potential of its LGBT population and for companies to have inclusive policies that enable their employees to be able to bring their whole selves to work,” said Lisa Donnelly, co-head of the operations division at Goldman Sachs in Bangalore and MD Sponsor of the GS India LGBT Network.



“We firmly believe that creating an inclusive environment for people in all aspects of society is critical to the success of corporate India.” “Google strives to be a company where each Googler can be exactly who they are at work. We believe that a diverse workforce is important to bring about innovation and creativity in thought and cater to our users who come from all walks of life,” says Keerthana Mohan, diversity and inclusion manager, Asia-Pacific.