LGBTIQ+ equality in the workplace represents efforts and initiatives aimed at creating inclusive and supportive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in their professional environment. This is achieved by addressing issues of discrimination, prejudice, and harassment that LGBTIQ+ employees may face, and by promoting a workplace culture that includes diversity and respects the rights and identities of all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since 2021, Romania has made progress in recognizing LGBTIQ+ rights, but there are still many areas for improvement. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law in the workplace, but there is no specific legal protection for gender identity or expression. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and Romania has yet to develop comprehensive legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in all areas of life, including the workplace.

The ultimate goal is to create a safe working space where all employees feel secure and can be themselves at work without fear of discrimination or harassment, and where their unique ideas and contributions are embraced and celebrated. The concept of "bring your whole self to work" is closely tied to the broader movement of LGBTIQ+ diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies that adopt this principle recognize that diversity is not just about meeting certain quotas or ticking boxes, but about creating an environment where every employee feels respected, supported, and encouraged to be authentic.

By attending this webinar, you will learn about:

  • Inclusion and Safety: Creating an inclusive and safe work environment is essential, especially in regions where home may not feel safe for everyone. This extends beyond policies to fostering genuine support systems and inclusive cultures;

  • Role of Leadership: True inclusion requires commitment from top leadership. Leaders must endorse and model inclusive policies to create a lasting impact;

  • Importance of Education: Addressing unconscious biases begins with education, feedback culture, and open conversations. Everyone has biases, but understanding and challenging them fosters inclusivity;

  • Strategic Branding and Values: Companies are increasingly chosen based on values and inclusivity, especially by younger generations. A strong brand that openly supports diversity can attract and retain both talent and customers;

  • Empowering Allies: Inclusion is not only for minority communities but also about educating and empowering allies. Allies in the workplace play a critical role in transforming perceptions and fostering a culture of acceptance;

  • Real Impact Beyond "Pinkwashing": Authentic support for the LGBTQ+ community involves more than just rainbow logos. Companies need to embed inclusion into their policies, benefits, and everyday actions, rather than performative gestures;

  • Data-Driven Inclusion: Measuring inclusivity through surveys and data helps organizations understand and address gaps, especially for LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups;

  • Small Steps in Small Organizations: For smaller businesses, inclusion efforts can start internally with education and culture-building, making an impact through small, intentional actions;

  • Economic and Social Benefits: Inclusive work environments foster loyalty, productivity, and retention, while also addressing larger social issues like discrimination and brain drain;

  • Legacy and Lasting Change: Organizations and individuals alike should consider what legacy they want to leave. Inclusive practices help shape a legacy of positive societal impact;

About the guest speakers

Lestat Monroe Paris-born, citizen of the world, Lestat has spent two decades building successful businesses in printing, online retail, and real estate, as well as advising investors in the eastern Europe region and the Middle East.

Turning heads and changing mentalities, he is one of the leading activists for LGBTQ+ rights in Romania and the region. An artful soul with a keen eye for beautiful things, he took on the position of Art Director for Cow Parade, the world’s largest public art event, in 2005. In this capacity, he promoted and helped athletes with mental disabilities, in collaboration with the Nadia Comaneci Foundation, run by the international superstar gymnast. In 2016, he founded Orasul Meu, Culorile Mele, a Romanian NGO committed to improving quality of life for children and all types of families in Romania. They are the first NGO in Romania offering an environmental solution to the Covid 19 pandemic by collecting masks to generate energy via their program MyBox.

Most recently, Lestat has teamed up with Dentons, EBRD, Fokker, ING Bank, Kaufland, Mega Image, Raiffeisen Bank, Visa, and others to form the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce -- the first business organization of its kind in the world created to promote diversity of all kinds in business.
Otto Van Daal works as the Country People & Culture Manager at IKEA South-East Europe. With extensive experience in various leadership roles across multiple countries within IKEA, Otto Van Daal has developed a deep passion for the company, rooted in a strong belief in its vision: "To create a better everyday life for the many people."

This vision, alongside the opportunity to grow and express oneself, has been a driving force behind Otto Van Daal's dedication. After spending five years in London, Otto Van Daal moved to Belgrade 1.5 years ago, a city that has warmly welcomed [him/her/them], and, thanks to both colleagues and locals, is now considered home. Amsterdam also holds a special place as a second hometown.

Otto's leadership is grounded in authenticity, trust, and a belief in people. Together with the regional People & Culture team and colleagues in the stores, Otto helps drive an ambitious people agenda with the clear mission: "To become the number one employer in retail in South-East Europe." Their holistic approach to attraction and retention is based on a belief in people, growth, leadership, and values.

Devino membru

SustainAbility School este un program de educare dedicat exclusiv angajaților din organizațiile membre ale Ambasadei Sustenabilității în România prin programul Coaliția România Sustenabilă.

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