World First Standard for Rainbow-Inclusive Workplaces

Standards New Zealand have published the first standard in the world that will assist organisations achieve a truly inclusive workplace.

The new NZS 8200 outlines the requirements to be met for organisations to be recognised as inclusive and safe workplaces for people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity.

International research shows that people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, takatāpui, queer, and intersex (LGBTTQI) communities still face discrimination and exclusion in the workforce; in recruitment, retention, training, and advancement opportunities.

Acting Chief Executive of Standards New Zealand Michelle Wessing said the orgnaisation was very pleased to have published the standards titled Rainbow-inclusive workplaces: A standard for gender and sexual diversity in employment.

“A wide cross section of agencies were represented on the committee that developed NZS 8200 including Rainbow Wellington, Affinity Services, gQ Network, and union and business representatives,” Ms Wessing said.

“The standard sets out five categories of criteria to be met and can be applied across organisations of all sizes. It is an important step in the process of achieving equity in employment.”

Michael Stevens, Programme Director for The Rainbow Tick, who was chair of the development committee for NZS 8200, said the standard was a world first.

“It was wonderful that New Zealand was leading the way in this aspect of workplace safety and inclusion,” Mr Stevens explained.

“We know for a fact that many rainbow community members do not currently feel able to be themselves at work and waste time and energy in pretending to be someone they are not.

“Members of our community still report incidents of bullying and discrimination at work. Given the legal obligation of employers to provide a safe working environment, this should be of concern.

“Implementing this standard will help employers create safe workplaces where their staff can be themselves, be happier at work, and thus be more productive.”

Last Updated on Apr 3, 2015