MetLife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up to survey small business owners on their feelings about LGBTQ+ topics and inclusion and the results were encouraging.
Business owners were asked a variety of questions from importance of diversity and inclusion to whether they were actively working to recruit LGBTQ+ employees.
Seventy-seven percent of these surveyed felt it was important to have policies that directly prohibit LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Eighty-six percent wanted to create an environment that was welcoming to LGBTQ+ customers.
Seventy-two were willing to take a hit to their business as a result of showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Small business owners are in large part aware of the struggles that many LGBTQ+ business owners face. In fact, 73% of those surveyed agreed that LGBTQ+ business owners were likely to face more challenges than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
Small business owners are in large part aware of the struggles that many LGBTQ+ business owners face. In fact, 73% of those surveyed agreed that LGBTQ+ business owners were likely to face more challenges than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
When it came to generational statistics, millennial and Generation X business owners were much more likely to support LGBTQ+ inclusions in their businesses.
For the specific healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community, 70% of respondents said it was very or somewhat important to provide transgender affirming health care options to employees.
To learn more, access the full study here. If you are a small business owner interested in making your business more LGBTQ+ inclusive, check out the LGBT Inclusion Hub for Small Businesses on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation site.