LinkedIn survey reveals insights on the economic impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ professionals

To understand the impact of COVID-19 on, and the level of support for, the LGBTQ+ community at work, we conducted a survey to more than 1,000 LGBTQ+ professionals in the U.S. The key findings below highlight that the LGBTQ+ community is facing high unemployment due to COVID-19, and while many professionals have made the decision to come out at work and do feel supported, there is still a lot of work left to be done.

The LGBTQ+ community has been heavily impacted by COVID-19

• Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents indicated they have been laid off or furloughed.

• Of those who have been laid off or furloughed, almost 4 in 10 (38%) respondents said they think being open about being LGBTQ+ will impact their job search.

The decision to come out at work can be both challenging and beneficial

• Over a third (37%) of respondents said yes, they are out at work, and just under 3 in 10 (29%) respondents said no they are not out at work.

• For those who indicated they are not out at work, the reasons why are:

  • 42% of respondents are not out at work because they don't think it's necessary.

  • 33% of respondents are not out at work because they don't feel comfortable disclosing that information at work.

  • 30% of respondents are not out at work because they are worried that they would be treated differently.

  • 26% of respondents are not out at work because they are worried that it would limit certain professional opportunities.

  • 24% of respondents are not out at work because they don't think their workplace would be supportive.

  • 18% of respondents are not out at work because they are worried about losing their job.

• For those who indicated they are out at work:

  • More than half (55%) of respondents said their professional community was supportive of them coming out.

• 78% of respondents feel/felt supported and/or accepted by their immediate team when they came out.

• Just under 8 in 10 (79%) respondents said they do/did feel supported by management/leadership when they came out.

• 52% of respondents said being out at work has made them feel more comfortable and authentically them.

• 34% of respondents said being out at work has allowed them to be able to connect with others like them for more support.

• 31% of respondents said being out at work has allowed them to be able to build better relationships with their professional community.

Support for LGBTQ+ employees is paramount

• Over 9 in 10 (95%) respondents said support for LGBTQ+ employees from a future employer is important, and 31% of respondents said their current company does not have resources for LGBTQ+ employees.

• For those whose companies have benefits for LGBTQ+ workers:

  • 67% of respondents said their company has equal opportunity hiring practices for LGBTQ+ employees.

  • 49% of respondents said their company has specific protections or policies for LGBTQ+ workers.

• 48% of respondents said their employers could create more safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees to support the LGBTQ+ community.

METHODOLOGY: This data was collected via a Censuswide survey fielded from May 15-May 20, 2020, among 1,003 LGBTQ+ working professionals in the U.S.