Community Business, a leading non-profit organisation specialising in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a leader in diversity and inclusion in Asia is embarking on a groundbreaking study to understand attitudes to and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong LGBT Climate Study 2011-12 (the Study) will be administered by the Hong Kong University Public Opinion Programme and comprise two components:
1. A representative telephone survey of the Hong Kong working population to understand general attitudes towards LGBT.
2. An anonymous online survey of Hong Kong LGBT employees to understand their workplace experiences.

The fieldwork for the two surveys begins on 11 November 2011, a day before Hong Kong Pride Parade.

The Study seeks to advance the dialogue on the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity in Hong Kong - particularly as it relates to the workplace. The two surveys together will provide credible and up-to-date quantitative data not only about the general environment in which LGBT individuals live, but also their direct workplace experiences. Targeted at the corporate sector, the findings of the Study are designed to help companies develop their strategies for addressing LGBT issues in the workplace.

The last large-scale general attitudes survey in Hong Kong was conducted by the Home Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR Government in 2005 - before the first Pride Parade took place in 2008. The survey found more people accept gay, lesbians and bisexual individuals as colleagues and neighbours than as teachers and family members, and 30% of the respondents felt that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in Hong Kong was serious or very serious.

“Community Business is committed to working with the corporate sector to create more inclusive work environments for LGBT employees.” said Kate Vernon, Managing Director and Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Community Business. “We believe that workplaces that are free from stigma and bias, accept people for who they are and that enable all to contribute to their full potential regardless of their background – including their sexual orientation and gender identity, are good for business. This Study will help us understand some of the specific
challenges that LGBT employees in Hong Kong face and point to the greater role that companies can play.”

The Study is being sponsored by Barclays. “Barclays is proud to be partnering with Community Business and the HK University Public Opinion Programme with our sponsorship of the LGBT Climate Study. We are committed to serving the communities we are part of. That is why it is so important for us to be a part of this survey, and that in seeking to address the issues faced by the local LGBT employees in the workplace, have a real impact on our business environment”said Richard Seeley, Head of Spectrum, Asia, Barclays.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals working or living in Hong Kong are invited to complete the anonymous online survey at: http://www.lgbtsurvey.org.hk/survey_en.php 

Share to Facebook