Being an LGBT+ ally in the workplace: A short guide to support and inclusivity

At E.ON, we are dedicated to ensuring that our actions and the energy transition serve as a positive force, bringing benefits to everyone in society. A large part of this dedication is actively encouraging and enabling our colleagues to be their true selves at work. And allyship is a key element of that.

What is allyship?

Allyship is the active and intentional practice of advocating for, supporting, and standing in solidarity with individuals or groups who are marginalised or underrepresented. It involves using your privilege to amplify the voices of others, challenge injustice, and create an inclusive environment.

True allyship goes beyond passive support; it requires ongoing learning, self-awareness, and taking action to address systemic barriers and promote meaningful change.

Here are some practical ways to be an effective ally.

The art of education

Education is key when delving into the importance of allyship. In order to understand the challenges that other people may face; it is down to us to prioritise our education. This involves learning about LGBT+ identities, issues, and terminology to better understand the experiences of LGBT+ colleagues.

In a world where we have so much access to information, there are plenty of resources that can help you to do this effectively. From social media to blogs and podcasts, there is a wide range for you to delve into.

It is also important to stay informed about workplace policies, rights, and protections related to LGBT+ individuals, so that you are able to support your colleagues without the need for their outreach.

Make your support visible by challenging bias and discrimination

Have you heard something that doesn’t sound right or is making a colleague uncomfortable? Speak up against homophobic, transphobic, or inappropriate remarks, even in casual conversations. Addressing microaggressions head on or simply remarking that the comment wasn’t respectful can make a huge impact. 

Where a colleague has specified their preference, use inclusive language and avoid assumptions about someone's gender or sexual orientation. Using people's chosen names and pronouns without exception is vital when creating a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be a listener and advocate

Listen to the experiences and needs of LGBT+ coworkers without judgment or assumptions and advocate for equitable workplace policies, such as inclusive healthcare benefits and anti-discrimination measures.

Empathy and outreach are powerful tools when it comes to making an impact in society, and there’s plenty of space for them in the workplace too.

Our LGBT+ network has built a community across the E.ON Group connecting colleagues throughout Europe from Germany, Italy, Sweden and Romania. Through sharing stories of lived experience through blogs and podcasts, we’re helping to create a safe place to support belonging and understanding.

Working with the other inclusion networks we’ve shared stories of transitioning, gender identity, parenting with a transgender child and ensured our policies and guides for menopause, fertility and parenting are fully inclusive for LGBT+ families too.

Ask the right questions and strengthen your allyship

Being an ally to the LGBT+ community goes beyond words of support; it requires ongoing action, reflection, and a commitment to growth. Below are four questions that you can ask yourself to deepen your allyship and make a meaningful impact:

• Have you checked in on an LGBTQ+ friend recently due to recent events?
• When did you last support a local LGBTQ+ business?
• If you heard someone making a derogatory remark, what would you do?
• Have you updated your pronouns on social platforms and work email addresses?

Diversity is a strength

Inclusion is a journey that requires collective effort, empathy, and a willingness to learn. By practicing allyship and creating a supportive environment, we can help foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

In winter 2024, we published our third inclusion report. Using our data and continuing to listen to our colleagues, we've been able to deepen our understanding and take action to make positive improvements. 

At E.ON, we believe that diversity is a strength and that embracing our differences drives progress.