Corporate sector called to lead the way in creating LGBT-friendly workplaces in China

Community Business launches new LGBT Resource Guide for employers

CHRM NEWS Beijing, 25 September 2013 – Today Community Business, a non-profit organisation specialising in corporate responsibility and a recognised thought leader in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), launched a new resource guide for employers entitled “Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees in China”.  Sponsored by Goldman Sachs and IBM, the publication highlights the business case for addressing the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees and provides the cultural and legal context for LGBT issues in China. As a practical resource, it also provides a set of recommendations on how companies can create inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees and includes a number of examples of good practice. 

D&I as a business concept may be unfamiliar to China, but the search for harmony among differences（和而不同）is not. An inclusive environment is one that recognises and embraces the value brought by each individual, no matter who they are, and one that allows everyone to develop their full potential by being themselves.  Leading companies in China are beginning to understand the benefits that an inclusive environment can bring to productivity, employee engagement, attraction and retention of the best talent and ultimately, business performance.

However, the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity has largely been overlooked. Faced with immense pressure caused by traditional family values and notions of filial piety, very few LGBT individuals are open about their sexual orientation or gender identity, whilst most people consider this topic too sensitive and private to discuss openly. For most companies in China, LGBT is simply not on their agenda.

However, the potential for change in China is immense. “As companies in China continue to operate and compete in a globalised and interconnected world, the need for companies to distinguish themselves as industry leaders means that there is an increasing need for driving innovation, diversity of thought, and better corporate governance” said Fern Ngai, Chief Executive Officer of Community Business. “Creating a workplace that is free from bias, stigma, and where all employees, including LGBT employees, can bring their full selves to work, is good for creativity, innovation, and ultimately a company’s bottom line”.

In gathering the content for this publication, Community Business set up an Advisory Group of experts on LGBT issues in China and enlisted the support of a number of partner organisations, including Aibai Culture and Education Centre, Beijing Gender Health Education Institute, Beijing LGBT Centre, British Council, Common Language, Health Governance Initiative, Nvai, PFLAG China and UNAIDS. Community Business also engaged with local corporate stakeholders in China to gain insights into some of the key issues for LGBT employees in China, particularly with regard to workplace challenges and what actions can be taken by employers to create more inclusive workplaces. 

“Through working with a vibrant group of local LGBT organisations and the enthusiasm shown by the corporate participants in our stakeholder engagement sessions in Beijing and Shanghai, we see the enormous potential for China to treat LGBT individuals with respect, openness and equality.” said Amanda Yik, co-author of the Resource Guide and Senior Programme Manager at Community Business. “In this process of change, companies have a critical role to play by creating an inclusive workplace for LGBT employees. This resource guide is designed to both educate companies about the Chinese context but also gives some clear recommendations on how they can go about doing that.” 

IBM and Goldman Sachs are the key sponsors of this research.  Both companies have earned various accolades and recognition globally for their leadership in championing LGBT issues in the workplace and have been key partners of Community Business in facilitating greater understanding and awareness of LGBT issues in different markets in Asia. IBM scored the top score in the US Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the 11th consecutive year in 2013 and the number 1 ranking in the UK’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in 2010.  Goldman Sachs has received the top score in the US Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since 2004 and was ranked number 13 overall and number 1 among investment bank entrants in the UK’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in 2013.

“The employees of IBM represent a talented and diverse workforce. Achieving the full potential of this diversity is a business priority that is fundamental to our competitive success. A key element in our workforce diversity programs is IBM's long-standing commitment to equal opportunity”, said Lily Low, Vice President, Finance & Operations, Chief Financial Officer, and also the LGBT Ambassador in IBM Greater China Group. “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 China.”

 “There is a clear business case to be made for companies to be more inclusive and LGBT-friendly. Studies have shown that LGBT employees are more productive and more committed to their work in an inclusive environment. We hope this guide will help companies learn from some of the best practices already in place,” said Kelvin Koh, Goldman Sachs’ China Diversity Champion and Director of Greater China Research. “It is crucial for China as a growing and emerging economy to fully explore the potential of its LGBT population and for companies to have inclusive policies that enable their employees to bring their whole selves to work. We firmly believe that creating an inclusive environment for people in all aspects of society is critical to the success of China.”

Launched in Beijing today, the publication will also be launched in Shanghai on 14 October 2013 at an event hosted by sponsors Goldman Sachs and IBM.