Creating Inclusive Workplaces: How to Support Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth

When organizations launch strategies to create inclusive workplace environments, they often focus on employees’ characteristics. But what if the lens expanded beyond the identity groups employees are a part of to include the groups their loved ones belong to? Specifically, how can leaders support parents, caregivers, and families of LGBTQ+ youth?

It’s important to support this subsect of employees due to the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face. The latest report from the Human Rights Campaign found that compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, LGBTQ+ youth report much higher rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol and drug abuse. In fact, of those surveyed, 55.1% screened positive for depression and 63.5% screened positive for anxiety. Over half of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed also reported being verbally or physically harassed in the last 30 days. These widespread and serious challenges are bound to affect caregivers you employ.