Elena is a lesbian, but when she discusses domestic matters in the office, her sentimental partner becomes just ‘her roommate’. Something similar happens to Enric, a homosexual, who hides his sexual orientation for fear that he might interfere with his promotion in the company. Elena and Enric are not isolated cases. Many Elenas and many Enrics are forced to distort their lives in their work environment every day.
Turning offices and other work environments into safe and trusting spaces, where all employees feel comfortable being themselves, is everyone’s job. But, above all, it is an obligation of companies as guarantors of the well-being of their employees. In our country, Telefónica is one of the pioneers in committing to diversity. Already in 2018, it adhered to the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Businesses to protect the rights of LGBT people (it can also be written LGTB). Since then, it has laid the foundations for turning its workplaces into safe LGBT spaces.
On the occasion of LGBT Pride Week, Telefónica has launched the campaign We bring all our technology closer together to remove all our differences. A metaphor that reflects that, deep down, we are all equal when talking to our loved ones, when caring for them and when showing affection towards our loved ones. An equality that, however, is far from being a reality in some work environments.
According to data from the “LGBTI State 2023” survey, prepared by 40db for the LGTBI State Federation, only one in 10 LGBTI people in Spain is visible to their superiors at work. In addition, only 24% openly make their sexual orientation or identity visible in their work environment. This means hiding when a call from your partner or sentimental partner comes in, or living with the constant anguish of not leaving your mobile phone in plain sight in case your colleagues discover a WhatsApp with a ‘darling’, ‘I love you’ or simply an emoticon with a kiss. Details that, unfortunately, still arouse mockery in many environments.
In this context, 60% of LGBT people value very positively that companies consider measures to promote their equality and inclusion within the framework of their social policies.
Excluding a part of the population for reasons of race, gender, sexual orientation and identity, or physical abilities deprives that society of part of its human capital. At Telefónica they are clear: diversity and inclusion not only respond to principles of social justice. They also contribute to better business results and enrich your corporate culture with new approaches, skills and different leadership styles. Values ??that, in short, enrich any company.
In 2018, Telefónica signed the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Businesses to protect the rights of LGBT people. This document emphasizes the dynamic role of companies to promote diversity and a culture of respect and equality, ‘both in the workplace and in the communities where they carry out their activities together with their business associates’. In this sense, the Spanish telecommunications company assumes the responsibility of working on non-discrimination, protecting the rights of its workers regardless of their sexual orientation or identity, and preventing other abuses.
An integrating spirit that continues five years later and that this 2023 gives shape to the campaign
For Telefónica, this commitment is valid in the company 365 days a year. With clear action guidelines developed in its Global Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This strategy guarantees equal opportunities and non-discriminatory, fair and impartial treatment of people in all areas of the company. The Global Diversity Council is responsible for its implementation and compliance, with the direct involvement of the company’s senior management. Any conduct that contravenes these principles of inclusiveness and non-discrimination may lead to the opening of disciplinary procedures that, ultimately, may lead to corrective actions.
All companies, from the largest to SMEs and the self-employed, have the obligation to assume the principles of inclusiveness in their productive activities and in their corporate culture. But it corresponds to those of greater depth to act as a spearhead in the equality and inclusion of LGBT people precisely because of its powerful corporate engine and its transversality in society.
The State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Trans, Bisexuals, Intersexuals and more (FELGTBI) recognizes Telefónica as one of the companies most committed to the collective, especially in work environments. The company participates in the FELGTBI YesWeTrans project, to generate opportunities for social and labor insertion for trans people, both in companies and public entities. To this end, employability workshops are organized for trans people and internal awareness actions have been launched in this regard, as well as a gender transition guide at work. The objective is to guide and accompany the employee in transition and her manager throughout the process.
As the multinational company that it is, these actions are also replicated in all the regions where Telefónica operates. The launch in Latin America of the ‘Sustener’ network stands out, with monthly awareness actions. In Brazil, it is a member of the Forum of LGBTI and Transempregos Companies and Laws, while in the United Kingdom it has carried out training sessions for Human Resources teams on the inclusion of trans and non-binary talent. These are courageous steps towards an inclusive and plural society in which all its citizens can feel comfortable being who they want to be.
