We take pride in who we are

For example, did you know that in a social experiment study, 'Equal at Work' conducted last year by a mobile phone company in the UK, more than half of the respondents who identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender revealed that they were still not comfortable coming out to their managers and/or colleagues. At least a third stated that they have gone back into the closet when they started their first job, despite being out in their personal life, school, college or university.

And why does ‘being out at work’ matter? Well, there is plenty of research that shows that concealing compromises wellbeing. According to a study conducted by the Diversity Council of Australia, LGBT+ employees who are not out to everyone at work are twice as likely to feel down compared to employees who have come out to everyone at work, and they are 45% less likely to be satisfied with their job.

That’s why Amadeus was a founding member of REDI  (Red Empresarial por la Diversidad e Inclusión LGBTI+), the first Spanish business network and forum of professionals promoting LGBT+ equality and inclusion at work in organizations across Spain.

It’s also why we have set up Amadeus Proud, an employee resource group where LGBT+ colleagues and allies join together to support the inclusion of LGBT+ employees in the company so that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression is welcome and not only accepted, but respected.

The group was started in 2016 in Bangkok. Amadeus Proud has since opened a chapter at our Madrid headquarters and, last February over 100 employees attended the inaugural meeting of the newest chapter at our Heathrow office.

Today at our Madrid office, we wanted to say it loud and clear: we truly believe that diversity is a strength and each one of us should take pride in who we are!  

For more information on Diversity and Inclusion at Amadeus, click here.