Research from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) shows that LGBTIQ+ people still face disproportionately high levels of exclusion at work, with nearly half reporting they experienced discrimination and/or harassment in the past year.

The findings were reported in the organisation’s recent Inclusion@Work Index. The report revealed 46% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported experiencing discrimination and/or harassment at work in the past year, compared with 26% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers. This means LGBTIQ+ workers were 1.5 times more likely to experience these behaviours.

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Alarmingly the report shows that discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexuality is increasing. The last report was conducted in 2024, back then only 39% of 39% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported experiencing this type of exclusion.

“As organisations celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities, this data highlights that workplaces cannot be complacent,” said Catherine Hunter, CEO of Diversity Council Australia.

“Our findings point to a persistent challenge within Australian workplaces. Organisations need practical, evidence-based approaches that address the systemic issues contributing to LGBTIQ+ exclusion.

“Workplaces that invest in inclusive cultures, visible and supportive leadership and clear policies are better positioned to reduce discrimination and create environments where all employees feel safe and respected.”

The study showed that 39% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported being left out of work social gatherings, compared with 29% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers, while 49% reported people had made incorrect assumptions about their abilities based on their identity, compared with 33% non-LGBTIQ+ workers.

The report also showed that 41% said they had been ignored or treated as if they didn’t exist, compared with 30% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.

While the discrimination is not as overt as it may have been in decades gone by, the effect is still significant.  People reported that discrimination at work negatively impacted their mental health, and led to lower job satisfaction, reduced engagement, and a higher likelihood of leaving their job. 

“Everyday exclusion matters. It undermines wellbeing, drives people out of organisations, and weakens team performance, all of which can negatively impact productivity.” said Hunter.

“Organisations that take a deliberate, evidence-based approach to inclusion are better placed to reduce exclusion and support LGBTIQ+ employees so they can feel safe to be themselves at work.”

The findings come from a nationally representative sample of 3,000 workers across Australia. The report was first published in 2017 and is conducted bi-annually.