We're making progress, but there's a lot more that needs to happen!
Stuart Cameron, the founder of the LGBTI career event STICKS & STONES, talks in an interview about what has changed positively in the area of diversity and inclusion in the workplace in recent years and what still needs to be done.
STICKS & STONES has existed for eight years - as Europe's largest LGBTI career event, it wants to create a platform for everyone who feels like they belong to this community. The aim of the fair is to make the labor market situation fairer not only for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans* and inter* people, but also for "minorities" such as women and to promote "proud companies". The next STICKS & STONES will take place on September 16, 2017 in Munich.
We last interviewed you about 2 years ago – what has changed in the area of diversity in the workplace since then?
I think the LGBTI issue has received more attention and is becoming better known. And in the meantime, not only the issue of diversity, but inclusion has become much more important in companies. This means that companies are doing more and more to bring employees together to create an increased sense of belonging. I was particularly surprised by the results of an employee survey by Facebook: Last year, as part of their voluntary employee survey, they found out that at least 7% of their employees are LGBTI. Facebook were the first to ask about the LGBTI status of their employees.
What else should change? What do you think companies can do better?
To date, only a fraction of companies are even concerned with the topic of LGBTI and diversity in the workplace. Most of the 500 largest companies in Germany have diversity on their radar. However, there are only a few in medium-sized companies who care about more diversity in the workplace. The motto is: Why should we change as long as we are still receiving applications? Only when it really hurts will these companies change. But it will probably be too late for them by then.
Do you have a specific example of what is going particularly well at a company, for example a specific project in the area of diversity?
As I said: I think it's a real sign that American companies are publishing their diversity figures. I believe such actions lead to more happening in Germany too. For example, the women's quota was successfully introduced in Germany. Many people have spoken out against the quota, but two years after the law came into force it is clear that the quota is working. All companies that fall under the fixed quota regulation and had to fill new supervisory board positions in 2016 adhered to the fixed quota of 30%. Now we should move on, because this cannot be the end. For example, I would also be in favor of introducing an LGBTI quota. The quota is not the panacea that will change everything, but it helps to draw attention to such deficits and make the labor market fairer.
How has STICKS & STONES changed over the last eight years since its founding?
She has constantly evolved. From the name change, to the location, to the basic concept, we tried something new every year. And she grew up. Initially we had 200 visitors and eight exhibitors, now we have over 2,000 to 3,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors. In addition to the main event, SXS - as we now call the STICKS & STONES - is now becoming a career platform. Career news, jobs, event tips, support programs and an online community will soon be available here 365 days a year.
Do you have any tips on how to find companies that are committed to diversity/inclusion as a career starter?
You can get a good idea about them just by looking at the companies' websites. Are they really committed to diversity? For example, have you ever won an award in this area? If the top management of a company consists exclusively of men, this is a clear sign that it is difficult for “minorities” there. Otherwise, you can of course go to diversity events such as Panda, women&work or the CSD. You can see which companies are actively committed to diversity. The lowest common denominator is the Diversity Charter, which companies can sign and thus voluntarily declare their willingness to commit to this area.
And what is there currently to report on the topic of LGBTI?
On July 21st there will be the world's first LGBTI Leadership Contest in Berlin. This is hosted by Google and organized by us. It's about increasing the visibility of LGBTI leaders, bringing the right people together and building an international LGBTI excellence network. Gay and lesbian leaders from around the world have already applied. It is particularly important for young people that managers come out so that they know that sexual identity is not an obstacle to their career - or that there are companies like SAP, McKinsey or Google where you don't have to hide and can be like that , how you are.
Stuart Cameron on diversity and inclusion in the workplace
