LGBTIQ+ workers are 1.5x more likely to experience discrimination and/or harassment

Australian data reveals that LGBTIQ+ people are 1.5 times more likely to experience discrimination and/or harassment at work, with experiences of LGBTIQ+ worker exclusion increasing.

Data from Diversity Council Australia’s (DCA) 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index has revealed that LGBTIQ+ workers are 1.5 times more likely to experience discrimination and/or harassment at work — with 46% of LGBTIQ+ workers reporting experiencing discrimination and/or harassment at work in the past year, compared with 26% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.

The findings also reveal that — with respect to the Inclusion@Work Index — discrimination and/or harassment against LGBTIQ+ workers has increased; when the last Inclusion@Work Index was released in 2024, 39% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported experiencing this type of exclusion.

“Our findings point to a persistent challenge within Australian workplaces. Organisations need practical, evidence-based approaches that address the systemic issues contributing to LGBTIQ+ exclusion,” Diversity Council Australia CEO Catherine Hunter said.

“Workplaces that invest in inclusive cultures, visible and supportive leadership and clear policies are better positioned to reduce discrimination and create environments where all employees feel safe and respected.”

Other key findings from DCA’s latest data include that:

• 49% reported that people had made incorrect assumptions about their abilities based on their identity, compared with 33% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers;
• 41% said they had been ignored or treated as if they didn’t exist, compared with 30% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers;
• 39% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported being left out of work social gatherings, compared with 29% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.
   

In a statement, DCA said that such behaviours are often dismissed as less serious in comparison to more overt forms of discrimination or harassment, yet its research shows they have real consequences for both employees and organisations.

By way of example, DCA pointed to the fact that workers who were frequently excluded from social gatherings were more likely to report work negatively impacted their mental health, lower job satisfaction, reduced engagement, and a higher likelihood of leaving their job. Such exclusion was also shown to undermine collaboration, innovation and customer service, DCA said.

“Everyday exclusion matters. It undermines wellbeing, drives people out of organisations, and weakens team performance, all of which can negatively impact productivity,” Hunter said.

“Organisations that take a deliberate, evidence-based approach to inclusion are better placed to reduce exclusion and support LGBTIQ+ employees so they can feel safe to be themselves at work.”

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, 1800RESPECT has a 24/7 support service that can help; please call 1800 737 732.

Image credit: iStock.com/skynesher. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.