-LGBTQIA+ Representation Less Than 1% In Sales, Finance, Accounting, Etc.: CIEL Survey

In commemoration of Pride Month, CIEL HR Services, has revealed the key findings of its flagship sector report - CIEL Works. The report deep dives into the hiring mindset and challenges pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community in India Inc. The study revealed that LGBTQIA+ representation is less than 1% in functions like sales, finance, accounting, engineering and technical services. Non-disclosure, lack of awareness and actual low representation emerged as the top three reasons for underrepresentation of the LGBTQIA+ community members at workplace, the study further stated.

The study also reveals that sectors such as Retail, Healthcare and IT have embraced this kind of hiring more than the other sectors leading to higher representation of LGBTQIA+ community. The findings also clearly shows that functions of Marketing, QA and Design to be more open than the others in employing the members of LGBTQIA+ community.

While the representation is abysmal, the study also indicated that the hiring of LGBTQIA+ members at workplace has significantly increased to 61% in India Inc, suggesting a positive shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity in the workplace. This uptick in LGBTQIA+ hiring could be attributed to the implementation of diversity initiatives, including targeted recruitment efforts, inclusive policies, and awareness training, stated the report.

Commenting on the findings of the study, Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO of CIEL HR, stated “Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords in today’s workforce landscape, they are essential pillars of a thriving organisational culture. While we celebrate the pride month, it's imperative to acknowledge the journey ahead. Embracing diversity means not only welcoming individuals from all walks of life but also creating an environment where every person feels valued and respected. It's about recognising and honoring each team member's unique experiences and identities, including the proper use of pronouns. Companies should continue to champion inclusivity through targeted recruitment, comprehensive education, and supportive policies, ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to bring their whole selves to work."

CIEL Works by CIEL HR Services is a talent trends report that outlines insights from an in-depth analysis of hiring and recruitment trends across sectors. CIEL Works - Pride Report 2024 is based on the data and analysis of 250 employees across 64 companies in India.

Key Suggestions for firms from CIEL Works - Pride Report 2024:

● Conducting anonymous surveys or focus groups by firms could provide more accurate data on the actual representation and experiences of LGBTQIA+ employees

● Benchmarking against industry standards or other companies could help identify gaps and areas for improvement in the company's approach to diversity and inclusion.