Returning to the Convention Centre Dublin on August 26, the Pride At Work 2026 conference brought together community organisations, small businesses and big companies to explore paths to making workplaces more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people.
Launched by Dublin Pride, Pride At Work is an initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the workplace. The team behind it runs events across Ireland throughout the year, creating safe spaces for people to learn and advance inclusion.
They also have a range of offerings for employers, employee groups and community organisations, including workshops, longer-term training programmes and consultation services.
The 2026 Pride At Work conference brought together over 200 HR, inclusion and sustainability leaders for a day of learning, development and networking. Running from 10am to 4:30pm, the event featured a series of panel discussions exploring ways to make workplaces LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Kicking off at 10:30am, the first panel addressed the topic of intersectionality, discussing how to build partnerships between different groups while respecting difference and ensuring everyone is included.
The second discussion explored how to use legislation to advance LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, highlighting the importance of HR and DEI professionals being aware of the tools available to them.
The third panel focused on how to support small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs) in building inclusive workplaces. While the value of inclusive workplaces has long been established, it often comes at a cost. This discussion highlighted ways to promote inclusion for enterprises that often do not have the budgets of larger organisations.
After an overview of Ireland’s National LGBTIQ+ Strategy, another panel discussed the country’s role in promoting LGBTQ+ equality internationally in light of Ireland holding the EU presidency.
The final panel focused on employee resource groups (ERGs) supporting parents of LGBTQ+ children. Panellists looked at the role of parents in building inclusive futures and how they can be supported at work.
Before closing, Programme Director of Pride at Work Jed Dowling addressed participants to discuss the future of Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride as the organisation prepares to launch their new four-year strategy.
Find out more about Pride at Work here.
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