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The Cost of the Corporate Closet

Tue 11 January 2011

, Melissa J. Anderson, www.evolvedemployer.com

The United States has finally repealed its infamous military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy regarding gay men and women in uniform. Yet many LGBT (lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender)  individuals within America’s corporate space are still under similar DADT duress. The corporate closet drives individuals to keep mum on their personal life, which has real, tangible consequences for firms whose cultures aren’t “open.”

In today’s leading workplaces, the cost of the closet negatively impacts team relationships, employee retention and recruitment, and even client interaction.

Chris Crespo, Director of Diversity & Inclusiveness at Ernst and Young, said, “In our business, which is a business built on relationships, if you can’t be open and honest about yourself, it creates trust issues.”

Particularly in those industries where business is based on client relationships, like accounting, law, sales, etc., trust is a key ingredient for success.

“We talk a lot about helping people achieve their full potential,” said Crespo.
“When the organization is in sync with your values, you are more empowered and you are able to make better decisions.” She continued, “Instead of worrying about what people think, or worrying about getting outed, you can apply that energy to work – it’s a total competitive advantage to be inclusive.”

Read more: http://www.evolvedemployer.com/2011/01/05/the-cost-of-the-corporate-closet/#more-1127