
The Survey
Every day, hundreds of thousands of professionals log on workplace social network Fishbowl to have honest and intimate work conversations and discuss their work lives beyond the immediate to-do list.
In recognition of Pride Month, we wanted to learn more about the conditions facing LGBTQ+ professionals. To discern how employees perceive their companies’ responses to addressing the unconscious bias and systemic issues plaguing LGBTQ+ professionals in the workplace, we asked professional to agree or disagree with the following statement:
“Do you believe the policies, benefits, and practices at your company properly support LGBTQ+ employees and their families?”
The survey ran June 14, 2021 through June 18, 2021 and was answered by 13,748 professionals on the Fishbowl app. Respondents included employees at companies such as IBM, JP Morgan, Facebook, McKinsey, Bank of America, Amazon, Edelman, Nike, Google, KPMG, and thousands of others.
The Results
- Overall: 76.51% of employees say “Yes,” the policies, benefits, and practices at your company properly support LGBTQ+ employees and their families.
- By State: Utah had the highest percentage of employees reporting a supportive company culture for LGBTQ+ employees, with 88.64% answering with “Yes.” Following closely behind Utah were Kansas with 88.39% and Missouri with 86.30%. Conversely, Louisiana employees said they have the least inclusive and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ employees with 65.89% followed by Indiana with 70.49% and New York with 70.86%.
- By Industry – When looking at the results by industry, Tech had the highest percentage of profession saying their workplace culture properly supported of LGBTQ+ workers with 83.49% answering “Yes.” Following Tech, were HR with 81.08% and Consulting with 78.74%. Teaching professionals had the lowest percentage indicating a supportive work culture, with 70.44%. Following Education were Finance with 70.80% and Marketing with 72.76%.

Looking Forward
While the positive sentiment toward company policies signal a sea change for LGBTQ+ professionals, we mustn’t forget the hundred of thousands of underepresented people who still do not feel safe to bring their fullest selves to the job. All people deserve to feel accepted in the workplace; therefore, it’s up each to keep fighting for each other at work.
More About Fishbowl
Fishbowl is a workplace social network that connects professionals through transparent conversations. Professionals come to Fishbowl daily to discuss industry-specific news and share career advice with peers and senior leadership in an open, positive, and supportive environment. The platform is currently accessible through its mobile app available on iOS and Android devices and is free for all users.