Sexual orientation diversity training is unavoidable as organizations evolve into a more diverse workforce. Public consciousness about how businesses should operate continues to increase and employee wellness programs are becoming more important. Workforce policies address sexual orientation, in addition to other diversity issues such as race.

Sexual orientation diversity in the workplace education is a low-cost, high-return value for businesses. A company that's committed to work place diversity training creates a safe, pleasing and meaningful work environment. Employees thrive in that setting because they feel recognized, valued and respected. Diversity programs that are inclusive of all characteristics such as spirituality, race, gender and sexual orientation lead to a willingness of workers to make a greater effort and be more creative. To make real change in your company:

1. Take training classes about sexual orientation issues in the workplace to be better educated.

2. Act as a leader to limit sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace.

3. Use creative sexual orientation diversity training to get employees' attention.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to handle sexual orientation diversity in the workplace

Sexual orientation diversity cannot truly be accomplished unless there's an inclusive environment of productivity and development for all employees and managers. In this type of setting, you maximize everyone's contributions to their highest performance level.

I recommend: Leon Williams Diversity Education sets your company up with a sexual orientation diversity consultant who will come in and lead training sessions. Novations offers seminars to help you solve business issues and improve employee performance.

Promote sexual orientation issues in the workplace by being a leader

As an employer, it's up to you to advance sexual diversity in your workplace. You can do this a couple different ways--by holding sexual orientation diversity programs and by recruiting diversity-friendly employees.

I recommend: WorkplaceDiversity.com is a resource for employers and professionals committed to promoting sexual orientation diversity in the workforce. Recruiters who want to reach experienced diversity talent use the site to hire. It's a central place for them to post available positions. Businesstrainingworks.com provides onsite training on improving diversity in the workplace. Obtain instant proposal documents, including a course outline and training planner, to present to your boss if you're pushing for sexual orientation diversity programs.

Use unique methods to promote workplace sexual diversity

Sure, promoting workplace sexual diversity can be done with training and seminars. But, it can also be accomplished in unconventional ways, with posters and off-beat events.

I recommend: Diversitystore.com has numerous sexual orientation diversity posters for sale, including those geared toward gay and lesbian pride month and gay pride flag. Contact Diversity Builder to arrange for training and consulting. The company has a Diversity in Motion diversity program, a non-traditional training filled with storytelling, activities and song.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase workplace sexual orientation videos to use as a tool when educating employees. Many come with PowerPoint presentations for a multi-faceted approach.