One of the findings of the recently released report The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Caribbean was that ensuring LGBT+ people felt comfortable in their workplaces led to greater productivity and output. Acceptance in workplaces can be made easier with the provision of a policy which employers can put in place. The recently launched Model LGBTI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) Workplace Policy for Trinidad and Tobago is a policy which has been developed for the TT context.
The policy – an initiative of Caiso: Sex and Gender Justice – was done in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) and the British High Commission. Research was conducted with the aid of Dr Wynette Harewood and Janet Peters of the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, who engaged private sector employers, and employees from the LGBT+ community in TT.
Expert reviews of the draft policy were conducted by the EOC, business chambers committees, civil society and other stakeholder groups, to ensure that it was fit-for-purpose, achievable and fully supportive of the LGBTI+ employee’s ability to find an equal place at work.
The inclusion report, done by the global coalition Open For Business, said that businesses which included LGBT+ people were better able to attract and retain talent, and had higher levels of innovation, creativity, employee motivation, and quality output. It said they were better placed to benefit from the increasing spending power of the LGBT+ consumers, and have greater brand appeal and loyalty with consumers who want socially responsible brands. An example of this is Scotiabank TT, which recently received public approval after extending insurance medical benefits to same-sex partners.
These conclusions were drawn from interviews with 21 business leaders and employers throughout the private sector, including: Ansa McAl, Citibank, Insight MMC, Massy Group, NextDecade, Open Current, PWC, Regency Recruitment and Resources Ltd, RF&G Insurance, Sandals, and Scotiabank. Additionally, representatives from two chambers of commerce participated, including the American Chamber of Commerce and the Energy Chamber of Commerce, both in TT.
The model policy gives advice to employers on how to modify their workplace policies on issues such as discrimination and harassment; privacy; official records, names, and pronouns; dress code; restroom accessibility; how to deal with employees transitioning on the job; sex-segregated job assignments; workplace benefits; worker assistance programmes; training and how to deal with complaints.
It recommends the implementation of diversity champions and worker resource groups to assist employees with understanding the policies and creating a diverse and accepting workplace culture. The policy gives key definitions of terms around LGBTI+ issues as well as workplace discrimination and harassment.
In the foreword to the policy, Caiso founder Colin Robinson wrote that one of the assets of doing business in
