LGBTQ+ Employees Report a Lack of Workplace Support

Celebrating Pride Month

According to Achievers: Pride Month, observed each June, plays a key role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures. This annual celebration traces its origins to the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in June 1969 in New York City. In today’s world, where 4.4% of Canada’s population and 9.3% of the U.S. population identify as LGBTQ+, supporting this community at work is more important than ever.

Yet survey data reveals a significant gap: 40% of LGBTQ+ employees report having no one at work with whom they can have difficult conversations. This highlights the urgent need to create safe spaces for discussing important topics. According to the 2026 Corporate Equality Index, 39.1% of U.S. workers said their employers had scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and only 1 in 5 managers had received training to handle difficult discussions.

Practical Ways to Support Employees

Companies can take several concrete steps to support their staff during Pride Month:

• Highlight LGBTQ+ topics to build understanding and trust.
• Foster connections and a sense of belonging through celebrations.
• Lead with empathy to strengthen psychological safety in the workplace.
• Reinforce belonging by recognizing employee achievements.
• Use employee feedback to shape inclusive experiences.

Achievers actively celebrates Pride Month and champions inclusion. The company partners with Pride at Work Canada, and in 2026, its ERG Achievers Proud hosted an internal webinar focused on supporting LGBTQ+ families. Achievers embeds its values into daily operations, highlights the role of ERG Achievers Proud, weaves inclusion into communications, and shares stories that promote learning.

Recognition strengthens corporate culture: when inclusive actions are acknowledged and celebrated, they are more likely to be repeated. Pride Month serves as a starting point that builds momentum, but lasting inclusion is built through ongoing efforts year-round. Building trust through visibility, open conversations, and clear policies helps employees feel that inclusion is a genuine priority for leadership.

Celebrating Pride Month is a vital component of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace. It raises awareness and helps shape an inclusive corporate culture. When companies back Pride Month initiatives, it can significantly boost employee satisfaction and loyalty. Sustained work on diversity and inclusion must become an integral part of corporate strategy to create a safe and supportive environment for all workers.

As organizations strive to create more inclusive environments, it's essential to recognize the impact of workplace appreciation on employee morale. A recent study reveals that a staggering majority of employees feel undervalued, which can significantly affect their engagement and productivity. Understanding the importance of recognition can further enhance support for diverse teams, including LGBTQ+ employees, during initiatives like Pride Month.