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In a world where LGBTQIA+ rights are gaining more attention, the latest data reveals that significant gaps remain in supporting LGBTQIA+ employees during work travel.
According to a recent survey by leading travel risk management provider World Travel Protection, only 1 in 7 organizations offer specific travel information regarding LGBTQIA+ rights to employees before they visit a country.
This statistic shows no improvement from last year, underscoring a critical need for more robust support systems.
The survey highlighted that merely 9% of companies provide information about LGBTQIA+ rights to employees who openly identify as LGBTQIA+ and an even smaller percentage (8%) cater to those who do not disclose their identities.
Tim Lai, a media personality and Marketing Manager for The Pinnacle Foundation an LGBTQIA+ education charity, frequently travels abroad for work.
Reflecting on his earlier career in the technology sector, Lai shared, “As an openly gay man, visiting countries with anti-LGBTQIA+ stances was challenging.
Despite advancements in providing support and cultural education, there’s still much more that companies can do.”
Lai emphasized the necessity for organizations to inform LGBTQIA+ employees about local laws and social attitudes in the countries they visit.
“Companies need to provide resources or contacts to ensure their employees’ safety,” he added.
“While progress is commendable, we must strive for comprehensive, actionable support for all LGBTQIA+ professionals working abroad.”
Paul Trotter, World Travel Protection’s Intelligence and Security lead, confirmed that Lai’s experience is common among many business travellers.
The survey’s disappointing results indicate a pressing need for better support for LGBTQIA+ employees.
To address these challenges, Trotter offers six critical tips for companies to ensure the well-being of their travelling LGBTQIA+ employees:
Understand the Legal Landscape
Over 70 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships, and anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment is on the rise even in traditionally safer regions.
Understanding local laws is essential, as engagement with certain websites or apps could lead to fines or imprisonment.
Despite this, only 1 in 7 employers currently provide information on LGBTQIA+ rights before international travel.
Organizations should equip employees with resources like Smartraveller and insights from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association or the Human Dignity Trust for updated safety advice and legal protections.
Consider the Culture
Beyond legal considerations, cultural context is equally important. Discrimination may persist even in places without explicit anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
It’s crucial to be aware of local customs regarding attire and behavior, avoid isolated areas, and utilize buddy systems for safety, especially at night.
Visual tools like Riskline’s global overview of LGBTQIA+ travel can provide valuable insights.
But organizations must remember that safety conditions can vary within different regions of a country.
Engage Carefully with Local Authorities
While seeking help from local authorities can sometimes be beneficial, it is not always safe in regions where LGBTQIA+ identities are criminalized.
Understanding the social and cultural attitudes towards sexuality and gender is crucial before engaging with law enforcement.
Safety in Numbers
The survey showed that 39% of Australian business travellers worry about discrimination based on gender or sexuality during trips, with women (45%) expressing more concern than men (32%).
Traveling in groups or with colleagues can significantly enhance safety.
Employers should evaluate employees’ comfort levels before assigning travel destinations and consider sending multiple representatives to less secure locations.
Utilize Technology for Safety
Travel assistance apps that provide prompt alerts and easy access to support, such as World Travel Protection’s Travel Assist app, are invaluable.
These tools can monitor situations closely and offer immediate help, specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Prioritize Mental Health
Navigating hostile cultures and political landscapes can severely impact the mental health of LGBTQIA+ travellers.
The stress of potential danger, harassment, or the need to conceal one’s identity can be overwhelming.
Employers should prioritize mental health by providing access to support services and maintaining regular check-ins with employees while they are traveling.
While there have been advancements, these findings highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive and actionable strategies to support LGBTQIA+ employees during international work travel.
Organizations must prioritize creating safer and more inclusive travel experiences for all their employees.
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