A new report shows that workplace barriers persist for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, even where legal protections are available.

The research by Catalyst goes on to say those barriers, in turn, limit potential contributions to business success.

Lack of awareness, which causes employees to rely on stereotypes, can lead to a hostile work environment for LGBT employees, including inappropriate humor or derogatory language, exclusion from important relationships and advance opportunities, and a lack of role models.

Of the LGBT respondents to a Catalyst survey:

• 41% said their colleagues were very comfortable with LGBT employees, and
• 43% said their manager was very comfortable with LGBT employees.

To help companies become more inclusive and enhance their brand as an “employer of choice” for LGBT applicants, the report recommends that employers:

• increase awareness by identifying and tackling organizational issues related to LGBT employees company-wide
• implement diversity training to help dispel LGBT myths and stereotypes
• help LGBT employees find mentors and employee groups, and
• make consistent and inclusive communications a core goal.

Catalyst surveyed 17,908 employees in Canada, 466 of whom identified as LGBT.