LGBTIQ+ workers face higher rates of discrimination

New data shows that LGBTIQ+ employees are 1.5 times more likely to experience harassment in the workplace.

New research from the Diversity Council of Australia revealed that 46 per cent of surveyed LGBTIQ+ workers experienced discrimination or harassment at work in the past year.

Even more shocking, the DCA’s 2025–2026 Inclusion @ Work Index found these behaviours had increased since last year’s 39 per cent – a 24 per cent increase.

CEO Catherine Hunter stated the findings “point to a persistent challenge within Australian workplaces”, adding that “this data highlights that workplaces cannot be complacent”.

And perhaps these findings will be a wake-up call.

Fellow employees must also avoid complacency in the face of such behaviour – being cordial in the workplace is not enough. And while everyday exclusion can be experienced by all, the numbers show a clear pattern. Reportedly, 49 per cent of workers had made incorrect assumptions about LGBTIQ+ workers’ abilities based on identity, and 41 per cent said they had been ignored.

And these behaviours are damaging to both the individual and organisations at large.

Being excluded from social gatherings is shown to decrease the likelihood of positive mental health, job satisfaction, and workplace engagement, and increase the likelihood of leaving the job. The flow-on effect of this is poorer collaboration, innovation, and customer service. work

To change this, Hunter highlighted: “Organisations need practical, evidence-based approaches that address the systemic issues contributing to LGBTIQ+ exclusion.”

And there is still a long way to go – as reported last year, a survey of over 35,000 Australian workers by the Australian Workplace Equality Index revealed the mental barriers many still faced: of those not “out”, the most common reported reason was not wanting to be labelled according to their sexuality, polling at 59.1 per cent.

Hunter said: “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.”

It’s about an environmental and cultural change – and while all the eyes are on employers to instil changes that hopefully take effect lower down the ranks, the smallest of actions can often make the biggest difference.