Coming Out as Allies
Herman Miller’s LGBT Inclusiveness Resource Team recently asked employees to celebrate National Coming Out Day with them by displaying rainbow balloons in their offices.
The team hoped to have 50 balloons displayed around the company. Through simple word-of-mouth, the balloon requests quickly grew to over 160 balloons! The entire executive leadership team also requested them.
On October 11, balloons were delivered to employees and accompanied by a card that explained the meaning of the Coming Out Day celebration.
The team also shared the colorful and cheerful balloons with a local children’s hospital where the balloons brought a rainbow smile to staff, patients, and their families.
Employee Rick Westra contributed to this post.
That sounds like a great way to make all employees feel welcome. Employers and workers definitely need to collaborate to create more safe spaces for people to interact authentically regardless of any differences. Business owners should understand that they benefit from promoting inclusiveness. A mutually respectful work atmosphere cuts down on all types of harassment and discrimination – two huge problems that lead to workplace conflict, poor morale, and costly litigation.
Daisy McCarty
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