GLEN’s Diversity Champions programme, Ireland’s network for LGBT inclusive employers, launches the LGBT Graduate Guide 2014/15 today at the GradIreland Recruitment Fair, RDS, Dublin.

The Diversity Champions Graduate Guide highlights career opportunities with employers who are committed to supporting diversity at work, especially for prospective LGBT employees. The Guide includes information for LGBT jobseekers on preparing for interviews, LGBT inclusive companies and current developments for transgender employees.

Research has found that lesbian, gay and bisexual employees report higher levels of commitment to companies with inclusive policies and culture. Lesbian, gay and bisexual employees who are with their employer for less than one year are four times less likely to disclose their sexual orientation than employees who have been with their employer for five years or more.

“Young jobseekers, including LGBT jobseekers, want to join companies that clearly demonstrate that they are progressive and inclusive,” said Davin Roche, Director of Workplace Diversity, GLEN. “LGBT employees, in particular, want to know that the companies they join will be workplaces where they can be themselves, where they can thrive and succeed, and where their sexual orientation or gender identity will be fully respected and welcomed as part of a diverse organisation.”

Patrick Reynolds, National Sales Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car said, “When I started at Enterprise it wasn’t as an ‘out’ employee, but as time went on I realised the level of support there was in the business for me. Since then, I have gone on to mentor and support other LGBT employees in the business. It has been so fulfilling to see how being themselves in the workplace has helped LGBT colleagues progress their careers in Enterprise too.”

Davin Roche continued, “There is an opportunity cost to both employees and employers if employees cannot bring their whole selves to work. The LGBT Recruitment Guide is a great opportunity for good employers to communicate how they value talented job seekers whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity”.

The Guide is available at the Diversity Champions exhibit at the GradIreland Recruitment Fair where Diversity Champions members Accenture, Deutsche Bank, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, EY, IBM, Irish Prison Service and Microsoft will be present to talk to LGBT graduates about current jobs opportunities and their companies’ commitment to diversity and inclusion at work.